Stories for March 28th 2020

Saturday, March 28th 2020 - 08:58 UTC
Four passengers dead on the MS Zaandam which last called in Punta Arenas

Four passengers have died on a cruise ship off the Pacific coast of Panama with more than 130 others aboard suffering from influenza-like symptoms, at least two of whom have coronavirus, the vessel's operator said on Friday.
Saturday, March 28th 2020 - 08:54 UTC
A bright sight from coronavirus: industry and transport emissions in three EU cities down 40%

Air pollution from nitrogen dioxide has fallen by an estimated 40% in three European cities, according to new satellite data released by the European Space Agency (ESA), coinciding with a widespread lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Saturday, March 28th 2020 - 08:54 UTC
It's official: IMF says pandemic has driven the global economy into recession

The coronavirus pandemic has driven the global economy into a downturn that will require massive funding to help developing nations, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Friday.
Saturday, March 28th 2020 - 08:52 UTC
Bolsonaro and governors clash over priorities and funds to combat the epidemic

Brazil’s governors pressed President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday for more federal support in the coronavirus battle after he blasted them as job-killers and undermined their orders with a decree keeping churches open at evangelical preachers’ request.
Saturday, March 28th 2020 - 08:50 UTC
ITUC praises Argentina for putting people first in fighting Covid 19

A new analysis from the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC, of government responses from 69 countries to the COVID-19 pandemic has identified 12 governments that are putting people first as they tackle the economic fallout from lockdown measures to stem the spread of the virus.
Saturday, March 28th 2020 - 08:39 UTC
US approves the massive US$ 2,2 trillion package to cope with the pandemic

The US House of Representatives on Friday approved a US$2.2 trillion aid package - the largest in American history - to help people and businesses cope with the economic downturn inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Saturday, March 28th 2020 - 08:35 UTC
Boris Johnson and Health minister Hancock test positive for Covid 19

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating at his Downing Street residence but said he would still lead the government's response to the accelerating outbreak.
Saturday, March 28th 2020 - 08:34 UTC
S&P downgrades Mexico and oil giant Pemex credit ratings

S&P downgraded Mexico’s credit rating on Thursday as the coronavirus pandemic and a hit to state oil firm Pemex from plunging crude prices battered the growth outlook and piled pressure on the government to lift the struggling economy.
Saturday, March 28th 2020 - 08:32 UTC
Falklands' government is responding to the coronavirus challenge magnificently, governor Nigel Phillips

In a brief message to the people of the Falkland Islands referred to the current coronavirus epidemic, governor Nigel Phillips CBE praised the Islands' government magnificent response to the challenge and underlined the toughness and resilience of the Falklands' people.
Saturday, March 28th 2020 - 08:26 UTC
Brazil's central bank preparing a “financial bazooka” to prevent recession becoming depression

Brazil’s central bank could soon be forced to fire up the money printing presses if the coronavirus-fueled recession facing Latin America’s largest economy is as devastating as some economists fear.