Stories for July 2020

Friday, July 24th 2020 - 08:42 UTC
An estimated 40,000 tourism related businesses permanently closed in Spain

Devastated by the loss of customers during the virus crisis, around 40,000 bars, hotels, and restaurants in Spain have permanently closed, the hotel and catering industry said. The figure amounts to 13% of such establishments in Spain, a country in which tourism plays a major role in the economy, and where the population tends to eat out very often, Spain's hostelry federation said.
Friday, July 24th 2020 - 08:39 UTC
Filing for unemployment benefits in the US rose for the first time in four months

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week for the first time in nearly four months, suggesting the labor market was stalling amid a resurgence in new COVID-19 cases and depressed demand.
Friday, July 24th 2020 - 08:22 UTC
Record drop in human linked seismic vibrations, helps to better listen to Earth's natural signals

COVID-19 lockdowns worldwide led to the longest and most pronounced reduction in human-linked seismic vibrations ever recorded, sharpening scientists' ability to hear earth's natural signals and detect earthquakes, a study found on Thursday. Vibrations travel through the earth like waves, creating seismic noise from earthquakes, volcanoes, wind and rivers as well as human actions such as travel and industry.
Friday, July 24th 2020 - 08:20 UTC
Paris sewage system analysis shows when Covid-19 quarantine was imposed and lifted

Samples of wastewater from the Paris sewage system have been showing traces of COVID-19 again since the end of June, having vanished when France imposed a lockdown, according to the head of the laboratory leading the research.
Friday, July 24th 2020 - 08:17 UTC
US president Trump cancels the Republican Party convention in Florida because of Covid-19

United States President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he was scrapping next month's Republican Party nominating convention in Jacksonville, Florida, because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Friday, July 24th 2020 - 08:07 UTC
US has the highest rate of virus cases in the world: 2,600 every hour on average

United States coronavirus cases topped 4 million on Thursday, with over 2,600 new cases every hour on average, the highest rate in the world. Infections in the US have rapidly accelerated since the first case was detected on Jan. 21.
Thursday, July 23rd 2020 - 11:38 UTC
Longliner returning to NZ from Falklands forced to comply with “bubble” when they reach home

The crew and passengers of the New Zealand San Aotea II longline fishing trawler, making their way back from the Falkland Islands, will be forced to spend up to four days onboard the vessel once it reaches Timaru to satisfy Covid-19 regulations.
Thursday, July 23rd 2020 - 09:56 UTC
Brazilian president again tests positive and must extend quarantine two week more

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has again tested positive for the new coronavirus, his office announced on Wednesday, saying he would extend his two-week quarantine and suspend upcoming travel plans.
Thursday, July 23rd 2020 - 09:55 UTC
Venezuela reacts furiously at US decision to put a prize reward for Chief Justice accused of corruption

Venezuela's government blasted a US$5 million US reward offer for information leading to the arrest of the country's Supreme Court president, likening it to something out of the Wild West.
Thursday, July 23rd 2020 - 09:54 UTC
Falklands: 80 days with no coronavirus positive tested cases; 14 days quarantine for all arriving passengers

The Falkland Islands government, FIG, reported on Wednesday that 1816 coronavirus tests have been processed, with no positive results received for over eighty days. FIG also announced new quarantine guidance issued to arriving passengers. In effect following the introductn of Quarantine Regulations a new document is being issued to provide simple guidance on how to meet the requirements of quarantine.