Stories for November 3rd 2023

Friday, November 3rd 2023 - 22:58 UTC
Confirmed avian flu case in the Falklands; Stanley becomes control zone until November 23

On Monday 30 October 2023 a Southern Fulmar was found dead at a Stanley property. As per current policy, while one dead bird does not reach the threshold of suspicion for avian influenza, birds that are not usually found in the Falkland Islands are routinely swabbed for surveillance. Unfortunately, this bird tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza. Given that this is an isolated case of one bird, that is only common off-shore, a full protection zone will not be declared. However, a temporary control zone has been declared and is attached. A declaration issued by the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) says:
Friday, November 3rd 2023 - 20:28 UTC
Woman commander for the US Navy

The most powerful navy in the world has a woman commander, Admiral Lisa Franchetti. Her nomination was confirmed by the US Senate, and she also becomes the first woman to serve as member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Friday, November 3rd 2023 - 10:12 UTC
Argentina asks ICRC to broker release of hostages in Gaza

Argentine Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero Thursday held a telephone conversation with International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger to express the South American country's interest in “the immediate and unconditional” release of the Argentine nationals held hostage in Gaza by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
Friday, November 3rd 2023 - 10:12 UTC
Extratropical cyclone already causing damage in Maldonado, Uruguay

One tree was reported fallen among other damages caused by the extratropical cyclone hitting the Uruguayan Department (province) of Maldonado where the exclusive beach resort of Punta del Este is located.
Friday, November 3rd 2023 - 10:09 UTC
French tourist dies in Buenos Aires after robbery

A 77-year-old French tourist dropped dead of an apparent heart attack at a police station in Buenos Aires Thursday. He was going to file a report after he had been robbed of his belongings when he was about to board an intercity bus at the Retiro Terminal in the Argentine capital.
Friday, November 3rd 2023 - 09:33 UTC
Argentine and Brazilian football fans clash in Rio ahead of Libertadores Cup final

At least two Argentine football fans of Boca Juniors were arrested Thursday in Rio de Janeiro as they reportedly clashed with supporters of Fluminense. Both teams are to play the Libertadores Cup final next Saturday at the legendary Maracana Stadium.
Friday, November 3rd 2023 - 09:19 UTC
Yearly vaccination against Covid-19 added to Brazil's immunization plan

Brazilian health authorities announced this week that starting in 2024 yearly vaccination against Covid-19 will be included in the country's Immunization Program (PNI) as per the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations, Agencia Brasil reported.
Friday, November 3rd 2023 - 09:15 UTC
Uruguay appoints acting Foreign Minister: Diego Escuder

The Uruguayan government on Thursday appointed Diego Escuder as acting foreign minister, following the resignation earlier this week of Francisco Bustillo, who was embroiled in a scandal over the issuance of a passport to known drug trafficker Sebastián Marset.
Friday, November 3rd 2023 - 08:59 UTC
Paraguay just one notch short of Fitch's investment grade

Paraguay was given a BB+ rating in Fitch's latest report, which is one step away from investment grade. Although in Asunción the South American country's Economy Ministry highlighted the achievement, the agency also warned about challenges in terms of credibility.