Friday, March 13, 2020

World News Briefs -- March 13, 2020



Daily Mail: Coronavirus pandemic has now killed more 5,000 people as Europe continues to battle escalating crisis

* A total of 3,176 people have died in mainland China, where the outbreak started
* Two other countries with the highest death tolls are Italy (1,016) and Iran (514)
* More than 134,300 have been infected since COVID-19 appeared in December
* Europe has rapidly become the new epicentre of the killer coronavirus
* Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

The death toll from the coronavirus pandemic today soared past 5,000 as Europe continues to battle its escalating crisis.

A total of 3,176 people have died in mainland China, followed by 1,016 in Italy, and 514 in Iran – the three countries with the highest number of deaths.

Since COVID-19 was first detected in December, more than 134,300 people have been infected in 121 countries and territories.

Cases have also soared past 600 in the UK, after Wales confirmed 13 people had been diagnosed today.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

US conducts airstrikes against multiple Iranian-backed militia sites in Iraq. Iraq base attack: US in retaliatory strikes on Iran-backed fighters.

'Repeated violations': Iraqi president condemns US air strikes.

US keeping two carriers in Gulf to deter Iran proxy attacks.

Iran imposes nationwide lockdown within 24 hours so EVERY citizen can be checked for coronavirus as regime struggles to contain outbreak.

Iran asks for billions in loans as virus death toll climbs.

Syria bans shisha, closes schools over virus fears.

Starved of dollars and drowning in debt, Lebanon's economy sinks fast.

Netanyahu, Gantz at odds with emergency gov't to fight coronavirus in Israel.

ASIA

In role reversal, Asia seeks to stop virus from coming in.

No mask, no mistake for North Korea's Kim.

US general: ‘fairly certain’ North Korea has COVID-19 cases.

Japan's Olympic minister 'absolutely' rules out cancelling or postponing Tokyo 2020 even after Donald Trump's call for Games to be held in 2021 because of coronavirus.

Nepal closes access to Mount Everest due to coronavirus outbreak.

Ten killed, including children, after gunmen open fire in PNG's highlands.

Farooq Abdullah: Kashmir leader released from seven-month detention.

New Zealand leader says nation changed after mosque attacks.

AFRICA

Coronavirus spreads to more African countries.

In Africa, coronavirus cases rise as experts voice concern about health systems.

Ghana and Gabon confirm their first coronavirus cases.

East Africa sees its first coronavirus case as woman is confirmed in Kenya after travelling back from US via London. Ethiopia, Kenya confirm first virus cases in East Africa.

Coronavirus: Sudan confirms first case.

UN too scared to stop breaches of arms ban, says Libyan minister.

Sudan economy in crisis almost year after Bashir ouster.

Russian-led troll network based in west Africa uncovered.

EUROPE

Coronavirus: Europe now epicentre of the pandemic, says WHO.

Italy's coronavirus death toll surges as Lombardy seeks tougher curbs.

Spain declares state of emergency over coronavirus.

Hungary's Orban blames foreigners, migration for coronavirus spread.

Coronavirus: EU condemns Trump travel ban on 26 European countries.

Russian regions OK changes to allow Putin 2 more terms as president.

Putin may extend term over 'threats to Russia', coronavirus.

Brexit: EU drafts trade deal ahead of talks with UK.

Brexit will not be delayed by coronavirus, says Johnson .

Local elections and London mayoral race postponed for a year .

Greece's first female president sworn in.

AMERICAS

Trump declares virus emergency; Pelosi announces aid deal.

US hospitals brace for ‘tremendous strain’ from new virus.

Trump says government will buy crude oil to help industry.

U.S. Treasury blacklists Rosneft subsidiary over Venezuela.

US State Department summons Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai amid anger over Beijing coronavirus comments.

US House speaker says vote is set on emergency coronavirus legislation.

Louisiana to postpone Democratic primary over coronavirus.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau becomes the first world leader to go into coronavirus ISOLATION as his wife tests positive following visit to the UK. Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of Canada PM Justin Trudeau, tests positive for coronavirus.

‘We have to do this’: PM Justin Trudeau warns Canadians not to travel abroad and tells of isolation after wife’s coronavirus diagnosis.

Canada faces 'danger' from China and Russia, intelligence chief warns.

Guyana election: Top court orders partial recount of votes.

Venezuela confirms two coronavirus cases, suspends school.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIS issues advice to terrorists on how to tackle coronavirus – including a travel ban, washing hands, and 'putting your faith in God'.

How Europe deals with terror offenders when they are freed from jail.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks roar back from big losses after emergency declaration.

Coronavirus: China joins US and Europe in moves to calm markets as economic anxiety grows.

British Airways in battle for 'survival' over coronavirus: BA boss tells his 45,000 staff the economic impact will be 'more serious than the financial crisis, SARS or 9/11' and warns of job losses.

The coronavirus pandemic is putting up to 50 MILLION travel and tourism jobs at risk, with BA warning it will lay off staff and ground aircraft.

Coronavirus and sports: World sport's schedule comes to grinding halt.

Bill Gates steps down from Microsoft board.

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