Stories for May 2020

Tuesday, May 26th 2020 - 07:50 UTC
WHO warns about an “immediate second peak” of the coronavirus infection

Countries where coronavirus infections are declining, could still face an “immediate second peak” if they let up too soon on measures to halt the outbreak, the World Health Organization said on Monday.
Tuesday, May 26th 2020 - 07:45 UTC
Iranian tankers unloading much needed gasoline in Venezuela

The first of five Iranian tankers carrying much-needed gasoline and oil derivatives docked in Venezuela on Monday, Caracas announced amid concern in Washington over the burgeoning relationship between countries it sees as international pariahs.
Tuesday, May 26th 2020 - 07:45 UTC
Scientists organize to combat “info medic”; mal-information which spreads as fast as the virus

With cat photos and sometimes scathing irony, Mathieu Rebeaud, a Swiss-based researcher in biochemistry, has nearly tripled his Twitter following since the coronavirus pandemic began. With 14,000 followers, he posts almost daily, giving explanations on the latest scientific research and, in particular, aims to fight misinformation that spreads as fast as the virus itself.
Tuesday, May 26th 2020 - 07:44 UTC
China central bank will further lower interest rates to help revive the economy

China will strengthen its economic policy and continue efforts to lower interest rates on loans, central bank Governor Yi Gang said, reinforcing expectations of further support measures to revive an economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic.
Tuesday, May 26th 2020 - 07:42 UTC
German government rescues Lufthansa taking a 20% stake in the company

The German government and the management of flagship carrier Lufthansa, which has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, have reached a preliminary deal on a 9 billion euro (US$9.8 billion) bailout, two people close to the matter said.
Tuesday, May 26th 2020 - 07:40 UTC
Carmen Reinhart, appointed World Bank Chief Economist

World Bank Group President David Malpass announced on Monday that Carmen Reinhart has been appointed as the new Vice President and Chief Economist of the World Bank Group. Reinhart’s appointment is effective on June 15, 2020.
Tuesday, May 26th 2020 - 07:22 UTC
Mink to human Covid-19 infection reported in Netherlands by Agriculture minister

Mink with the coronavirus has infected two people in the Netherlands in what are probably the first such cases of transmission during the epidemic, government and health authorities said on Monday.
Monday, May 25th 2020 - 20:59 UTC
Mexico anticipates the loss of a million jobs because of the Covid-19 pandemic

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Sunday that the novel coronavirus could cost as many as a million jobs in the country as many industries considered not essential remain shut.
Monday, May 25th 2020 - 20:52 UTC
China open to the identification of the source of coronavirus, but “free of political interference”

China is “open” to international cooperation to identify the source of the novel coronavirus but any investigation must be “free of political interference”, China's foreign minister said on Sunday. Wang Yi blasted what he called efforts by US politicians to “fabricate rumors” about the pathogen's origins and “stigmatize China”.
Monday, May 25th 2020 - 20:48 UTC
British government ready to rescue companies considered strategically important

British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak has authorized a bailout plan to rescue companies that are seen as strategically important, with the state expected to buy stakes in crucial businesses that are facing acute financial problems, the Financial Times newspaper reported.