
World leaders on Thursday promised US$5 trillion to stave off global economic collapse from the coronavirus pandemic that has killed 21,000 people and shut down huge swathes of the globe.

The US Justice Department announced the indictment of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday for “narco-terrorism” and offered US$15 million for information leading to his capture.

The European Union marked the 25th anniversary of its open-border Schengen agreement on Thursday with all its land borders shut or subject to heavy checks imposed in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The Falkland Islands government, FIG, announced this week an initial range of measures aimed at supporting employers and ensuring employees and self-employed continue to receive pay if they have to self-isolate due to Coronavirus.

The Falkland Islands government, FIG, is stepping up its response measures to COVID- 19 after it was confirmed that the King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) is currently treating a critically ill child. Chief Executive Barry Rowland said that although it has not been confirmed, it is suspected that the child has contracted Coronavirus. Under the new phase of the response, schools, nurseries, and play-parks will close as of Friday 27 March and will not re-open until at least the start of the new term on 4 May.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump during a phone call on Friday that he hopes the United States will take substantive action to improve bilateral ties, China's foreign ministry said.

Britain has placed an emergency order of 10,000 ventilators designed at breakneck speed by bag-less vacuum cleaner company Dyson, the first fruits of an industry-wide call to arms to prepare for the looming peak of the coronavirus outbreak.

Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, has lost 1.33 trillion Norwegian crowns (US$124 billion) so far this year as stock markets have plunged due to the coronavirus pandemic, it said on Thursday.

The Falkland Islands government, FIG, announced this week that in order to help ease pressure on local businesses Executive Council had approved measures to ease the recruitment process for temporary employment.

The King Edward Memorial Hospital is currently dealing with a critically ill child, who is suspected to have COVID-19. Until this is confirmed by test, this remains a matter of clinical judgment. As a result of this, the Falkland Islands Government is moving its response to the next stage, in accordance with our Infectious Disease Plan and other preparations. Our thoughts go out to the child, the child’s family and friends.