Tag: Virus

Trump suspends travel from Europe to US in coronavirus crisis

by Sebastian Smith WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday suspended travel from Europe to the United States for 30 days in a “tough” new effort to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic that has sparked a run on the stock market and is rapidly multiplying. The ban will not include travelers from the United Kingdom, which recently left the European Union, Trump said. In a primetime address from the […]

NBA to suspend season after Jazz player tests positive for coronavirus

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — The NBA will suspend play starting on Thursday after a Utah Jazz player preliminarily tested positive for the new coronavirus, the league said Wednesday. The test result was reported shortly before Utah’s game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City was to begin, and that game was abruptly postponed. The league said the affected player was not in the arena. “The NBA is suspending gameplay following the conclusion of tonight’s […]

Trump announces steps to combat coronavirus’ economic fallout

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced measures meant to shore up the economy reeling from the coronavirus outbreak, while simultaneously downplaying the situation. He also announced a travel ban for Europe for 30 days, which he indicated would include halting trade. While he touted the strong US economy, Trump urged Congress “to provide Americans with immediate payroll tax relief” to help counteract the impact of the epidemic that has […]

Manila mayor undergoes self-quarantine after trip to London

  (Eagle News) — Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso is now undergoing self-quarantine following his official business trip to the United Kingdom which has 459 confirmed coronavirus cases. The Manila mayor already informed city health officials about his decision to self-quarantine in an emergency meeting, the Manila City government announced in a Facebook post. Moreno on Wednesday, March 11,  submitted himself to testing by Department of Health (DOH) officials under the supervision of […]

India suspends tourist visas over coronavirus

NEW DELHI, India (AFP) — India on Wednesday suspended all tourist visas until April 15 and said it would quarantine travelers arriving from seven virus-hit countries as it attempts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus. The move comes as the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a pandemic, and as countries worldwide scramble to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. India’s visa suspension begins March 13 at 1200 GMT at the port […]

Amazon increases paid sick leave due to coronavirus

SAN FRANCISCO, United States (AFP) — Amazon on Wednesday beefed up paid leave for workers quarantined due to the novel coronavirus or diagnosed with the COVID-19 illness. The company also announced the creation of an Amazon Relief Fund — starting at $25 million — to serve as a pool of grant money for independent delivery drivers, seasonal employees and others losing paychecks due to the pandemic, according to the global internet retailer. “Effective immediately, all […]

Italy shuts stores across country to fight virus

by Dmitry ZAKS ROME, Italy (AFP) — Italy on Wednesday shut all stores except for pharmacies and food shops in a desperate bid to halt the spread of a coronavirus that has killed 827 in the country in just over two weeks. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced the latest wave of restrictions in a dramatic appeal to the nation that came with the country of 60 million battling its biggest crisis in generations. “Thank you […]

WHO labels coronavirus a ‘pandemic’ as Europe scrambles to contain it

by Robin Millard, with Jastinder Khera in Rome GENEVA, Switzerland (AFP) — The World Health Organization called the new coronavirus outbreak a pandemic on Wednesday, issuing a grim warning that the global spread and severity of the illness was due to “alarming levels of inaction”. The declaration came as Europe faced a mounting number of cases — including a slew of new countries clocking first deaths — prompting governments to roll out increasingly tough measures […]

No, coronavirus isn’t the same as the flu

PARIS, France (AFP) — Aches and pains, sore throat, fever — although they may feel similar to those suffering from their symptoms, the novel coronavirus is not the same as the seasonal flu, experts stressed Wednesday. Mortality  COVID-19, the illness caused by a coronavirus, proves deadly in around 3.5 percent of confirmed cases. While this is not the same as its mortality rate, given many people may be infected but not realize it, it is […]

Spain virus toll passes 2,000, with 47 deaths

  MADRID, Spain (AFP) — Coronavirus infections in Spain have passed the 2,000 mark with 47 deaths, the health ministry announced on Wednesday, making it Europe’s second most severe outbreak after Italy. “By this morning, we had 2,002 cases,” said health ministry emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon, up from 1,639 on Tuesday and almost quadruple Sunday’s total. Madrid is the worst-hit region with half of the confirmed cases and 31 of the deaths. Officials quickly unveiled […]

Britain pledges £30 bn package to combat coronavirus

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Britain unveiled Wednesday a package of stimulus measures worth £30 billion ($39 billion, 34.4 billion euros) to fight the growing threat from the coronavirus epidemic to the economy. “I am announcing today in total a £30-billion fiscal stimulus to support British people, British jobs and British businesses through this moment. And of course, if further action is needed if the situation evolves… I will not hesitate to act,” finance minister […]

Spain virus toll passes 2,000, with 47 deaths

MADRID, Spain (AFP) — Coronavirus infections in Spain has passed the 2,000 marks with 47 deaths, the health ministry announced on Wednesday, making it Europe’s second most severe outbreak after Italy. “By this morning, we had 2,002 cases,” said health ministry emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon, up from 1,639 on Tuesday and almost quadruple Sunday’s total. Madrid is the worst-hit region with half of the confirmed cases and 31 of the deaths. Officials quickly unveiled a […]