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HEALTH-VIRUS-WORLD
Coronavirus: latest global developments
PARIS, March 31, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Here are the latest developments in the
coronavirus crisis:
– More than 750,000 world cases –
More than 757,940 cases of infection and 36,674 deaths have been recorded
in 184 countries and territories since the epidemic started in China in
December, according to an AFP tally compiled at 1900 GMT Monday based on
official sources.
Of the fatalities 26,543 were in Europe.
Italy has 11,591 deaths, Spain 7,340 deaths, and mainland China 3,304
deaths.
France reported 3,024 fatalities in hospital.
– Confinement –
Italy said it will extend its lockdown at least until Easter.
Police were patrolling the streets as Zimbabwe began enforcing a three-week
lockdown. Nigerians in the biggest city Lagos and the capital Abuja also went
into confinement for at least two weeks.
Georgia imposed a general quarantine and a nighttime curfew from Tuesday.
The Czech Republic extended its own free movement restrictions until April
11.
US President Donald Trump extended until April 30 recommendations for
social distancing.
More than 3.4 billion people have been called on or forced by authorities
to stay at home, around 44 percent of the world population, according to a
count based on an AFP database.
– Prince Charles out of quarantine –
Prince Charles, British heir to the throne, is in good health and no longer
in quarantine after showing mild coronavirus symptoms, his office said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tested negative but went into
precautionary quarantine after one his staff tested positive.
About 4,000 members of a Hasidic Jewish community in Quebec, Canada are in
quarantine after some tested positive.
– Hospital ship in New York –
A 1,000-bed hospital ship arrived in New York, where it will take on people
requiring intensive care unrelated to the coronavirus.
– New powers in Hungary –
Hungary’s parliament endorsed a bill giving nationalist Prime Minister
Viktor Orban sweeping new powers he says he needs to fight the pandemic.
Critics say it is a means of strengthening his position.
– UN calls for $1.5 trillion –
The UN called for a $1.5-trillion aid to help developing countries weather
the COVID-19 pandemic.
The EU backed a solidarity fund for small businesses struggling in the
crisis set up by France. It also announced 38 million euros ($42 million) to
help Western Balkan countries deal with the pandemic.
– EasyJet grounded –
British airline easyJet said it had grounded its entire fleet because of
the pandemic
BSS/AFP/GMR/1017 hrs