Tuesday, July 7, 2020

World News Briefs -- July 7, 2020 (Evening Edition)

A logo is pictured on the headquarters of the World Health Orgnaization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland, June 25, 2020. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Reuters: WHO acknowledges 'evidence emerging' of airborne spread of COVID-19

GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization on Tuesday acknowledged “evidence emerging” of the airborne spread of the novel coronavirus, after a group of scientists urged the global body to update its guidance on how the respiratory disease passes between people.

“We have been talking about the possibility of airborne transmission and aerosol transmission as one of the modes of transmission of COVID-19,” Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, told a news briefing.

The WHO has previously said the virus that causes the COVID-19 respiratory disease spreads primarily through small droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person that quickly sink to the ground.

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MIDDLE EAST

Deadly Syrian, Russian air strikes in Idlib amount to war crimes, U.N. says.

Russia, China veto U.N. approval of aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey.

Western powers seek condemnation of Syria over sarin attacks.

Rocket fired at Baghdad's international airport, not far from US troops and diplomats.

Hisham al-Hashimi: Leading Iraqi security expert shot dead in Baghdad.

Two killed in another explosion in Iran: Tehran blames 'Human error' for factory blast - days after fire hit a nuclear site and 19 died in a medical clinic gas leak. Factory blast near Iran's capital kills two in latest explosion.

Iran's foreign minister heckled and called a liar in parliament.

Lebanon's Hezbollah talks to government about Iran fuel idea.

Israeli health official resigns blasting virus response.

Germany, others would not recognize Israeli annexation.

Turkey calls on EU to be ‘honest’ in dispute with members.

ASIA

Beijing converts Hong Kong hotel into new national security office.

Hong Kong to 'vigorously implement' Beijing's new security law.

Foreign firms in Hong Kong face ‘huge insecurity’ over national security law.

US hits Chinese officials with visa bans over Tibet access.

Taliban violence poses 'serious challenges' to peace: Ghani.

Indian soldiers killed in China border clash were unarmed and surrounded, families say.

North Korea: 'No intention' to meet with the U.S. again.

U.S. envoy arrives in South Korea as North Korea rejects talks.

Reports: China, North Korea trade declining as food, fuel prices rise.

Kim Jong Un must compensate South Korean war veterans, court rules.

China braces for more storms after floods leave 121 dead or missing this year.

AFRICA

Turkey, Italy agree Libya needs political solution - Turkish defence ministry.

Dozen of bodies found in Burkina Faso, and rights group suspects extrajudicial killings.

Armed group's attacks in DRC killed almost 800 in 18 months: UN.

Nine Mali soldiers killed in ambush: Army.

Sudan: Growing protests against insecurity in central Darfur.

Kenya: Arrests at Nairobi protest against police brutality.

Kenyan schools to stay closed until 2021.

South Africa coronavirus cases pass 200,000.

Zimbabwe spends millions on officials' luxury cars as country goes hungry.

EUROPE

Cyprus: EU partners aim to rein in Turkey’s ‘expansionism’

Eurozone economy to plunge 8.7% this year after hit from Covid-19. EU faces deeper recession than expected: European Commission. Updated EU forecast projects greater declines in 2020 before rebound.

Russia: Kremlin promises retaliation to UK's Magnitsky Act sanctions.

Russian space official Safronov charged in treason probe.

Coronavirus deaths in Europe pass 200,000 with Britain recording more fatalities than anywhere on the continent.

Serbs storm parliament after virus lockdown announced.

Serbia's Sandzak residents warn of 'apocalypse' over coronavirus.

Italy could ‘section’ people who refuse treatment for Covid-19.

Police find 211 migrants crammed in truck in North Macedonia.

Greek PM rides high in opinion polls after one year in office.

AMERICAS

Brazil's Bolsonaro catches coronavirus, shrugs off health risks.

Mexico president heads to Washington for meeting with Trump. Mexican president to talk trade with Trump as virus rages.

Venezuela high court orders takeover of Guaidó’s party.

Trump pushes state, local leaders to reopen schools in fall.

Fauci warns US is 'knee-deep' in first wave of coronavirus.

Citing violent crime in Atlanta, Georgia governor declares state of emergency and calls up National Guard.

EXCLUSIVE: Trump was victim of 'child abuse' at hands of his father, who 'caused him terror that would scar him for life', claims President's niece who describes Donald as 'Frankenstein without the conscience' in explosive memoir.

Change in Dominican Republic as opposition wins presidency.

Canadian PM Trudeau will stay home for USMCA trade deal event in DC.

Foreign students in US must leave if classes move online.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Anti-ISIS coalition — saying Iraqi security forces now effective — reducing personnel, shifting mission focus.

Mozambique is emerging as the next Islamic extremist hotspot.

Iran general Qassem Soleimani killing by US drone 'unlawful', deems UN official.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street follows solid stock market rally with pullback.

EU threatens escalation in tariff fight over Boeing and Airbus subsidies.

Microsoft and Zoom join Hong Kong data 'pause'.

TikTok to exit Hong Kong market as security law curbs online freedoms.

Hong Kong: Google, Facebook and Twitter halt user data requests.

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