Germany, with over 1,100 cases, reports first two coronavirus deaths
Germany confirmed its first two deaths from the coronavirus on Monday as its overall number of new infections rose by 20% to 1,139, the latest signs that the epidemic is spreading rapidly in Europe’s largest economy.
Seven dead as coronavirus measures trigger prison riots across Italy
Seven prisoners have died as riots spread through crowded jails across Italy over measures imposed to contain the coronavirus.
Iran temporarily releases 70,000 prisoners as coronavirus cases surge
Iran has temporarily freed about 70,000 prisoners to combat the spread of the coronavirus in jails, the head of the judiciary said on Monday, as officials reported hundreds of new infections and dozens more deaths across the country.
French culture minister infected by coronavirus but is well: source
French Culture Minister Franck Riester has been infected by the coronavirus outbreak, a source close to the Culture Ministry said on Monday, adding the 46-year-old member of government was “feeling well”.
Portugal’s president in ‘exemplary’ self-isolation, tests negative for coronavirus
Shouting down to reporters from his first-floor balcony, Portugal’s president declared on Monday that he would remain in voluntary quarantine for two weeks despite testing negative for coronavirus, as an “example” to Portuguese people.
Israel orders 14-day quarantine for travelers coming into the country
Israel will require anyone arriving from overseas to self-quarantine for 14 days as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday.
Iraq orders closure of holy city of Najaf: state news agency
Iraqi authorities have ordered the closure of the Najaf province, home to holy Muslim Shi’ites sites, for non-residents starting on Wednesday for a week to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the state news agency said on Monday.
Ireland axes St. Patrick’s Day parades, sets aside coronavirus funds
Ireland canceled all St. Patrick’s Day parades due to take place across the country next week over the risk of a further spread of coronavirus as the government set aside 3 billion euros to tackle the infection.
Iran supreme leader cancels Persian new year speech because of coronavirus outbreak: official site
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei canceled his speech in the city of Mashhad for Persian new year, which is on March 20, to prevent further infections of coronavirus, according to a statement on his official site.
Afghan President Ghani to issue decree on Taliban prisoner release this week
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will issue a decree for at least 1,000 Taliban prisoners to be released this week, five official sources said on Monday, paving the way for opening direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban insurgents.
