Stories for March 26th 2020

Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 18:53 UTC
IATA: Airlines need $US200 billion in liquidity to face “apocalypse”

As passenger demand evaporated around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned airlines are fighting for survival. The airline association stated that airlines need $US200 billion in liquidity support as they face “apocalypse now.”
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 18:16 UTC
Falkland Islands: New stage in Government COVID-19 response

The King Edward Memorial Hospital is currently dealing with a critically ill child, who is suspected to have COVID-19. Until this is confirmed by test, this remains a matter of clinical judgment. As a result of this, the Falkland Islands Government is moving its response to the next stage, in accordance with our Infectious Disease Plan and other preparations. Our thoughts go out to the child, the child’s family and friends.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:55 UTC
Bolsonaro clashes with governors over lockdowns: “they are destroying Brazil”

President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday blasted as criminals the governors and mayors of Brazil’s largest states and cities for imposing lockdowns to slow the coronavirus outbreak, as tensions with his health minister simmered. The death toll rose to 57 from 46 while confirmed cases rose to 2,433 from 2,201 the day before.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:45 UTC
Argentine economy contracted 2,2% last year and could drop another 2% in 2020

Argentina's GDP contracted 2.2% last year, hit by the downfall of manufacturing, retail and financial activities, according to the official stats office, Indec. In the last quarter of 2019 the economy dropped 1% over the previous quarter and 1.1% compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:44 UTC
South American countries agree to ensure smooth flow of goods and food supplies in the region

Agriculture ministers from various South American countries participated in a video conference on Monday, March 23, to discuss harmonization of standards and ensure the smooth flow of goods and food supplies throughout the region during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:40 UTC
Spain extends state of emergency two weeks after it reported 783 deaths in one day

Spain extended its state of emergency for two more weeks to allow the government to extend stringent lockdown measures in a desperate attempt to contain the coronavirus. Spain reported 738 new deaths in one day on Wednesday while Italy announced 683. The two countries have the highest fatality rate in the global pandemic.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:27 UTC
Argentina's “Children and youth protection project” receives US$ 300 million from World Bank

The World Bank Board of Directors approved a new US$ 300 million operation to support Argentina’s efforts to strengthen its social protection system and minimize the impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable families.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:25 UTC
Pandemic: total lockdown in Colombia; Chile extends schools closure until May

Countries across Latin America tightened measures on Wednesday to halt the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus, with more lockdowns and school closures as well as increased aid to the region's poorest.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:21 UTC
Falklands testing ground for satellite system that could revolutionize mobile connectivity

A new satellite system that could revolutionize mobile connectivity has been tested successfully, setting a new world record in the process, according to its inventor. Tyghe Spiedel is the co-founder of Lynk, a company that builds very small satellites designed to communicate with standard mobile phones.
Thursday, March 26th 2020 - 08:01 UTC
World Bank and IMF call on bilateral creditors to suspend payments from poor countries

The World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund have issued the following joint statement to the G20 concerning debt relief for the poorest countries: