Stories for August 2020

Tuesday, August 4th 2020 - 10:29 UTC
Seventh Brazilian minister, chief of staff, tested positive for Covid-19

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's chief of staff, Army General Walter Souza Braga Netto, has tested positive for COVID-19, his office said on Monday (Aug 3), becoming the seventh Brazilian minister to have contracted the disease.
Tuesday, August 4th 2020 - 10:20 UTC
Antibody testing in Italy shows 2,5% of the population developed coronavirus

Almost 1.5 million people in Italy or 2.5% of the population have developed coronavirus antibodies, a figure six times more than official numbers reported, according to a survey from statistics agency Istat on Monday.
Tuesday, August 4th 2020 - 10:20 UTC
Ship with Brazilian soybeans arrives in China with several crew members Covid-19 tested positive

According to the Agricensus Agency, a load of Brazilian soy exported to northern China was detained on July 25 because ten crew members aboard a ship from Rio Grande do Sul have tested positive for Covid-19.
Tuesday, August 4th 2020 - 10:04 UTC
WHO admits no “silver bullet” despite strong hopes for a vaccine: “big battle ahead for Brazil and India”

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday that, despite strong hopes for a vaccine, there might never be a “silver bullet” for COVID-19. More than 18.14 million people around the world are reported to have been infected with the disease and 688,080 have died.
Tuesday, August 4th 2020 - 09:46 UTC
South Georgia issues Macaroni Penguin gold coins

After the recent release of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Penguin Series, The Pobjoy Mint is announcing a limited-edition Proof Fine 1/25oz Gold coin featuring the macaroni penguin to complement this immensely popular series.
Tuesday, August 4th 2020 - 09:43 UTC
Engineer co-inventor of the computer mouse dies in California, aged 91

William English, the engineer and researcher who helped build the first computer mouse and, in 1968, orchestrated an elaborate demonstration of the technology that foretold the computers, tablets and smartphones of today, died on July 26 in San Rafael, California. He was 91.
Tuesday, August 4th 2020 - 09:24 UTC
Genoa opens new bridge to replace a collapsed viaduct that killed 43 people

Italy inaugurated a sleek new bridge in Genoa on Monday, though relatives of the 43 people killed when the old viaduct collapsed said the pomp and ceremony risked overshadowing the tragedy.
Tuesday, August 4th 2020 - 08:49 UTC
Gibraltar will continue lobbying US congress despite Spanish tactics

Gibraltar has taken notice of the reports in the UK's press which confirm that, for several years, Spain has been actively engaged in anti-Gibraltar lobbying in Washington DC.
Tuesday, August 4th 2020 - 08:45 UTC
Boris's launches Eat Out to Help Out program with diners at 50% discount

People across Britain enjoyed half-price meals on Monday as the government launched its Eat Out to Help Out scheme aimed at driving up business in the shattered hospitality industry after months of coronavirus lockdown.
Tuesday, August 4th 2020 - 07:15 UTC
Spain's ex king goes into exile in the midst of “disturbing information” about his regal conduct

Spain's former king Juan Carlos, who is facing investigation at home and abroad for corruption, announced on Monday that he will go into exile. The 82-year-old revealed he would leave the country in a letter to his son, the current King Felipe VI who accepted his decision and thanked him, the royal palace said in a statement.