China’s Tianjin closes schools, firms until further notice to curb virus: state media
The northern Chinese city of Tianjin has ordered schools and non-essential companies to remain closed until further notice to curb the spread of the coronavirus that has already infected thousands in the country, a local government-run newspaper said.
China’s total coronavirus deaths hit 259 by end of Jan. 31, up 46: state media
The total number of deaths from a coronavirus epidemic in China had reached 259 by the end of Friday, Jan. 31, up by 46, state broadcaster CCTV said, citing numbers from the country’s National Health Commission.
UK’s Johnson plans full customs and border checks on EU goods: Telegraph
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to impose full customs and border checks on all European goods entering the United Kingdom after Brexit, in an attempt to ramp up pressure on the bloc in trade talks, the Telegraph newspaper reported.
Paraguay restricts travelers from China amid virus outbreak
Landlocked Paraguay said on Friday that it had suspended indefinitely issuance of visas to people traveling from China because of the coronavirus outbreak centered in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province.
‘We are free’: Flag-waving Britons cheer in Brexit
Singing patriotic songs and waving Union Jacks, thousands of Britons flocked to a muddy patch of grass outside parliament on a damp Friday night to toast their moment of history: Britain’s departure from the European Union.
Brexit at last: Britain leaves the EU as champagne corks fly
The United Kingdom finally cast off from the European Union on Friday for an uncertain future, with Brexiteers claiming victory and popping champagne corks for an “independence day” they said marked a new era for the country.
Last train to Europe: all aboard the Eurostar as Britain bids goodbye
(This story was refiled to correct time of last train to 8:10 p.m. from 8:10 GMT)
Former Belgian-Nicaraguan political prisoner calls for probe into Ortega government
Nicaragua’s best known former political prisoner, Amaya Coppens, is calling for international organizations to investigate alleged abuses by the government of President Daniel Ortega.
Trump eases restrictions on land mine use by U.S. military
President Donald Trump on Friday relaxed Obama-era restrictions on the U.S. military’s use of anti-personnel land mines, arguing that the previous policy could put American troops at a “severe disadvantage.”
China’s Hubei reports 45 new coronavirus deaths, total at 249
China’s Hubei province, the epicentre of a coronavirus epidemic, reported 45 new deaths from the outbreak on Friday, bringing the total to 249, the local health commission said on Saturday.
