Stories for July 20th 2020

Monday, July 20th 2020 - 09:28 UTC
Foreign Office claims Russian hackers trying to steal information on Covid-19 vaccine

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said on Sunday he was “absolutely confident” in allegations by the UK and its allies that Russia targeted labs conducting COVID-19 research, branding the behavior “outrageous and reprehensible”.
Monday, July 20th 2020 - 09:25 UTC
JBS installs “ultraviolet germicidal” ventilation to combat Covid-19 in slaughterhouses

One of the world's largest meatpackers said they have installed ultraviolet air cleaning equipment in some US plants, as pressure mounts on food companies to protect workers amid growing concerns about airborne transmission of the coronavirus.
Monday, July 20th 2020 - 09:25 UTC
UK/China souring relations continue to escalate; warning from Beijing ambassador

Britain will on Monday suspend its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in a further escalation of its dispute with China over the introduction of security law in the former colony, British newspapers reported.
Monday, July 20th 2020 - 09:14 UTC
Half of UK's biggest companies estimate business recovery in the second half of 2021, Deloitte

Nearly half of Britain's biggest companies think it will take until the second half of 2021 before business recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey on Monday that cast doubt on hopes for a speedier rebound.
Monday, July 20th 2020 - 09:09 UTC
British Airways will retire its entire Jumbo jet fleet of Boeing 747

British Airways, the world's largest operator of Boeing's 747, said it would retire its entire jumbo jet fleet with immediate effect due to the downturn in the travel industry caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Monday, July 20th 2020 - 09:02 UTC
Amazon indigenous leader defender stable after blood transfusion in hospital

Indigenous leader Raoni Metuktire, one of the Amazon rainforest's best-known defenders, is “stable” after receiving a blood transfusion in hospital, his institute said on Sunday. Raoni, chief of the Kayapo people in northern Brazil, has been hospitalized since Thursday for weakness, shortness of breath, poor appetite, and diarrhea.
Monday, July 20th 2020 - 09:00 UTC
Arab Emirates launches its first mission to Mars from Japan

The United Arab Emirates launched its first mission to Mars early on Monday as it strives to develop its scientific and technology capabilities and move away from its reliance on oil.
Monday, July 20th 2020 - 08:24 UTC
Brazilian meat plants perfect “coronavirus breeding centers”, according to Labor Ministry

Meat plants have been a major factor in the spread of coronavirus in at least three different regions of Brazil, according to the country’s experts. According to the new study conducted by the federal prosecution department the Public Ministry of Labour (MPT), the conditions at the meat plants have directly contributed towards the rapid transmission of the virus.