
Warning that cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have more than doubled in a week in the Region of the Americas, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Director Carissa F. Etienne urged countries to take measures that protect health care workers to ensure they have access to the personal protective equipment and supplies they need to care for patients affected by the disease.

A former choirboy who accused Australian Cardinal George Pell of molesting him said on Wednesday he accepts the top Vatican acquittal, but urged survivors of child sex abuse to keep coming forward.

Acting United States Navy Secretary Thomas Modly resigned on Tuesday after he faced mounting backlash for firing and ridiculing the commander of a US aircraft carrier who pleaded for the help stemming a coronavirus outbreak onboard.

Boris Johnson has spent a second night in intensive care as he continues to receive treatment for coronavirus. Mr Johnson is being kept in St Thomas' Hospital in London for close monitoring, Downing Street said. The PM is comfortable, he's stable, he's in good spirits, said health minister Edward Argar on Wednesday.

The US ambassador to Brazil on Tuesday denied reports that the US government took over Chinese supplies of medical equipment that were ordered by Brazil to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

China last year became the world leader in international patent filings, unseating the United States which had held the top spot for more than four decades, the UN said on Tuesday. A record 265,800 international patent applications were filed last year, a hike of 5.2% from 2018, the World Intellectual Property Organization said in its annual report.

Discussions are underway on enabling wider access to some patented drugs and medical supplies during the coronavirus pandemic, the head of the UN's intellectual property agency said on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized the World Health Organization on Tuesday, accusing it of being too focused on China and issuing bad advice during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Falkland Islands Government announced on Monday that it has completed and signed a contract with BAM Nuttall for the design and build of a new port in Stanley Harbor.

Market reports suggest that Argentine beef shipments to the European Union have reduced to almost zero amid the global coronavirus pandemic. Sales to China, the main buyer, have dropped below 2019 levels.