Beijing, China | AFP | China accused the United States on Thursday of trying to shift blame over the coronavirus, after President Donald Trump said the pandemic was a worse “attack” than Pearl Harbor or 9/11. Tension between the world’s two biggest economies has reached fever pitch in recent days as …
Read More »Clubs gear up for Bundesliga restart in nine days’ time
Berlin, Germany | AFP | Bundesliga clubs were racing Thursday to get ready for the restart of the season in nine days’ time, amid concerns about whether the players will stick to the strict hygiene guidelines implemented to ensure the campaign is completed. Twenty-four hours after Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government gave …
Read More »International tourism to plunge up to 80% due to virus: UN
Madrid, Spain | AFP | The number of international tourist arrivals could plunge by 60 to 80 percent in 2020 owing to the coronavirus, the World Tourism Organization said Thursday, revising its previous forecast sharply lower. Widespread travel restrictions and the closure of airports and national borders to curb the spread …
Read More »Body of Ugandan doctor stuck in Lagos due to COVID-19 lockdown
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Relatives of the Ugandan medical doctor who died in a Nigerian hospital in Lagos early this week are stuck on how to repatriate his remains because of the corona virus lock down. Dr. Patrick Opira Molns, who was attached to The Aids Support Organization – …
Read More »Uganda gets UGX 1.9 trillion emergency funding from IMF
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday approved USD 491.5 million (1.9 trillion Shillings) in emergency funding for Uganda to address the impact left by the coronavirus on the economy. The money is approved under the Rapid Credit Facility program that is meant to help poor …
Read More »Misinformation flood hampers fight for virus vaccine in Africa
Dakar, Senegal | AFP | The task of introducing a vaccine for the coronavirus faces an uphill struggle in Africa, where a flood of online misinformation is feeding on mistrust of Western medical research. Across the continent, Facebook, WhatsApp and other platforms have been swamped by messaging that characterises vaccine research …
Read More »Coronavirus ‘takes flavour out of Ramadan’ in North Africa
Algiers, Algeria | AFP | North Africans say they are missing the taste of Ramadan, as coronavirus restrictions deprive them of traditional mealtime gatherings, evening outings and beloved sweets during the Muslim holy month. “It’s not the usual Ramadan,” said one woman shopping in Ariana, near the capital Tunis, looking desperately …
Read More »Parliament queries new gov’t digital learning approach
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Parliament has queried the new digital learning approach adopted by the government to keep children learning during the current coronavirus lockdown. A section of legislators says that the approach only benefits a few learners, mainly in urban centres. The Ministry of Education is encouraging …
Read More »UN warns of risks for trafficking victims due to pandemic
Vienna, Austria | AFP | The UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Wednesday warned of increased risks to human trafficking victims due to the coronavirus crisis with people more vulnerable to exploitation and protection limited. New UNODC analysis found, other than the risk of catching the virus, some rescued victims have been unable …
Read More »British boxing chiefs issue guidelines for return to ring
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Boxers fighting in Britain would be required to wear masks during ring walks and would be banned from using a spit bucket under proposals to allow for a resumption of the sport, it was reported on Wednesday. Boxing authorities are reportedly gearing up for a July re-start following the …
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