Stories for May 2020

Wednesday, May 13th 2020 - 07:29 UTC
British researchers trying to crack one of coronavirus riddles: the deadly to mild range of the illness

British researchers will study the genes of thousands of ill COVID-19 patients to try to crack one of the most puzzling riddles of the novel coronavirus: why does it kill some people but give others not even a mild headache?
Wednesday, May 13th 2020 - 07:15 UTC
US budget deficit in April reaches a record US$ 738 billion: revenue down 55% and outlays up 161%

The United States on Tuesday reported a record US$738 billion budget deficit in April, as an explosion in government spending and a shrinking of revenues amid the novel coronavirus pandemic put it deep into the red.
Wednesday, May 13th 2020 - 07:07 UTC
Pope Francis praises nurses and calls for more investment in health care

Pope Francis praised the work of nurses around the world on Tuesday, saying the coronavirus crisis had shown how vital their service is, as he appealed to governments to invest more in healthcare.
Wednesday, May 13th 2020 - 06:40 UTC
On International Day of the Nurse, this year's theme is “Nursing the World to Health”

On the occasion of the International Day of the Nurse and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, 12 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) joins hundreds of partners worldwide to highlight the importance of nurses in the healthcare continuum and thank nurses for what they do. The theme for this year is” Nursing the World to Health”.
Tuesday, May 12th 2020 - 09:00 UTC
Argentina extends debt negotiations deadline to “increase participation” and “better alternatives”

Argentina will extend negotiations over a US$ 65bn debt restructuring proposal until May 22, the government said in the official gazette on Monday. The extension sets the stage for tense last-ditch talks as Argentina races to avoid default.
Tuesday, May 12th 2020 - 08:54 UTC
Falklands' civilian population with no Covid-19 cases; normal return to schools and nurseries

Given the successful compliance of self-isolation and social distancing and other measures implemented by the Falkland Islands Government, FIG, the civilian population of the Islands remains with no positive cases of coronavirus, according to the Monday situation report.
Tuesday, May 12th 2020 - 08:52 UTC
Paraguay fears its success in containing Covid-19 could be threatened by Brazil

Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez has said the spread of coronavirus in Brazil threatens his country's success in containing the virus. Mr Benítez said more than half of Paraguay's 563 cases were people who had entered from neighbouring Brazil.
Tuesday, May 12th 2020 - 08:50 UTC
Bolsonaro declares gyms and salons as essential services

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday declared gyms and hair salons as essential services that can stay open through the new coronavirus outbreak, easing measures to control the disease despite new cases and deaths surging in the country.
Tuesday, May 12th 2020 - 08:40 UTC
Colombia's national airline, Avianca, has filed for bankruptcy protection in a US court.

Avianca is the second-largest carrier in Latin America, but its passenger operations have been grounded since March because of coronavirus. It said the pandemic had cut more than 80% of its income, and it was struggling with high fixed costs.
Tuesday, May 12th 2020 - 08:18 UTC
Beijing disappointed with Australia: suspends meat imports from four abattoirs

China has suspended meat imports from four Australian abattoirs, fuelling concerns that escalating tensions between the two nations are damaging Australia's most important trading relationship.