by Andrew MARSZAL Agence France Presse LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Disney will close its giant theme parks in Florida, California and Paris and pull the releases of major blockbusters including “Mulan” over the coronavirus, it announced Thursday. The resorts are among the largest theme parks in the world, each drawing tens of thousands of visitors each day. They will remain shut at least until the end of March. “In an abundance of […]
Tag: coronavirus
President Duterte says China’s President Xi has offered to help PHL fight coronavirus spread
(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte said that China’s President Xi Jinping has offered to help the Philippines fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with the knowledge that China had learned in controlling its spread and in treating patients infected with the virus. Duterte thanked President Xi and said that the Philippines might just accept this offer for help if the situation in the country regarding coronavirus cases deteriorates. “But China, you know, President Xi Jinping, […]
On mission to eradicate virus germs, China firms see the UV light
by Beiyi Seow with Jessica Yang in Shanghai Agence France Presse BEIJING, China (AFP) — Ultraviolet light is being beamed through public buses and lifts in China to wipe out any possible germs as part of efforts to clear the country of the deadly coronavirus epidemic. With companies under pressure to meet strict prevention measures for the virus, which has killed more than 3,100 people in China, some are turning to new technology to […]
Kenya confirms first case of coronavirus in East Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya (AFP) — Kenya announced Friday the first confirmed case of coronavirus in East Africa, as the region so far unscathed by the global pandemic scaled up emergency measures to contain its spread. A 27-year-old Kenyan woman tested positive for the virus on March 12 in Nairobi, a week after returning from the United States via London. She was in a stable condition and recovering, Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe told reporters. “We wish to […]
QC mayor Belmonte declares state of calamity, bans mass gatherings
(Eagle News) — The Quezon City government on Friday, March 13, declared a state of calamity to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus cases in the city and to empower barangays to implement measures to control infections. Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte announced this a day after President Rodrigo Duterte imposed a community quarantine in the whole of Metro Manila to address rising COVID-19 cases in the country. “This allows the city to […]
WATCH: Fight COVID-19: Wash your hands properly to prevent spread of infection
(video courtesy Agence France Presse) (Eagle News) – Proper handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). “Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands,” a WHO advisory said. It is important to wash your hands before touching the mouth, nose and eyes because these […]
“This is a controllable pandemic,” WHO chief says of COVID-19 spread; urges all to double efforts to contain virus
(Eagle News) — The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) clarified on Thursday, March 12, that its earlier announcement of the coronavirus disease spread as a “pandemic” does not mean that countries should give up, and stressed that the COVID-19 is a “controllable pandemic.” WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that countries should instead “double down” and work on measures to control and contain the virus with the “political commitment” needed to […]
Catholic churches across Rome to shut until April 3
VATICAN CITY (AFP) — The Vatican on Thursday took the unprecedented step of closing all Catholic churches across Rome to stem the spread of a coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 1,000 people across Italy. The papal vicar for Rome said the churches would reopen when a broader Italian government crackdown on public gatherings expires on April 3. “The faithful are consequently exempt from their obligation to fulfill the festive precept,” a statement […]
5,000-10,000 people ‘likely’ have COVID-19 in UK, says advisers as PM Johnson announces measures to stem spread
LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP)– Britain on Thursday said up to 10,000 people in the UK could be infected with the novel coronavirus, as it announced new measures to slow the spread of the outbreak. Government chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance said there were 590 confirmed cases but it was “much more likely we’ve got somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 people infected”. Britain was on a trajectory of cases “about four weeks” behind Italy and […]
Code Red Sublevel 2 alert raised amid COVID-19 rise: Duterte extends class suspensions, imposes community quarantine in NCR until April 12
(Eagle News) – President Rodrigo Duterte advised the Filipino public not to panic amid the coronavirus disease scare as the Code Red alert sublevel 2 is declared in the country on Thursday night, March 12, allowing community quarantine in affected parts of the country. “Sa mga kababayan ko, ‘Do not panic. Huwag kayong masyadong ma-stress na parang hindi mo na magawa ang gusto mong gawin. Puede pa rin pero may mga restrictions tayo, dahil nga […]
Ireland orders shutdowns to curb coronavirus
DUBLIN, Ireland (AFP) — Ireland on Thursday announced the closure of all schools and colleges, and recommended the cancellation of mass gatherings as part of measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said “schools, colleges and childcare facilities will close from tomorrow (Friday)”, as would state-run cultural institutions. Indoor events of more than 100 people and those outdoor involving over 500 “should be cancelled”, Varadkar said in a statement […]
Spain minister tests positive for virus; second deputy prime minister also in quarantine
MADRID, Spain (AFP) — Spain’s equality minister has tested positive for coronavirus and has been quarantined with her partner, deputy prime minister and Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias, a government statement said Thursday. “The minister (Irene Montero) is in a good condition and second deputy prime minister Pablo Iglesias is also in quarantine due to the situation,” the statement said. “This morning, all members of the government will undergo testing,” it added, indicating the results […]





