Mexico reports 6,561 new COVID-19 cases, 779 more deaths

MEXICO CITY, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mexico’s health ministry reported 6,561 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country and 779 fatalities, bringing its total to 2,125,866 infections and 190,357 deaths. Officials have been frustrated by bottlenecks in the vaccine supply and raised concerns that wealthy countries are hoarding vaccines…

Covid-19: Africa reports nearly 3.95 mln cases

South Africa has had the most cases on the continent ADDIS ABABA, March 7 (NNN-Xinhua) — The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has reached 3,948,029 as of Saturday evening, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said. Africa CDC, the specialized healthcare agency of the…

World Bank approves US$ 420 million loan to Argentina for sanitation and housing

WASHINGTON, March 7 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — The World Bank Board of Directors approved a US$ 300 million loan to expand and improve water and sanitation services in Metropolitan Buenos Aires, particularly in the most vulnerable areas. An additional US$ 120 million will be available for the construction of social housing, benefiting…

Covid-19: World sees 10,685 new deaths in 24 hours

PARIS, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The novel coronavirus has killed at least 2,581,034 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019. At least 116,031,470 cases of coronavirus have been registered. The vast majority have recovered, though some have continued to experience symptoms weeks or even months later. These…

Somalia’s Puntland state says recaptures some prisoners freed by al Shabaab

Shabaab militant movement in Somalia BOSASO (Puntlad, Somalia), March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The military in Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland have recaptured 87 out of hundreds of prisoners who escaped on Friday after al Shabaab fighters stormed a jail and freed them, according a statement from the military. On Friday…

Update: Boy killed in Senegal protests as opposition steps up pressure

Supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko clash with security forces in Dakar DAKAR, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A 17-year-old boy was killed by gunfire in southern Senegal, a government official said, and several police stations were ransacked as opponents of President Macky Sall called for more protests next week. The…

Covid-19: Paraguay reshuffles cabinet after violent protests

ASUNCION, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Paraguay’s President Mario Abdo Benitez announced a cabinet reshuffle after violent street protests over thegovernment’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. He announced new people would be appointed to the ministries of health,education, women’s issues, and civil affairs. “I am sure that the men and women…

Covid-19: Thousands turn out for Vienna anti-lockdown protest

VIENNA, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands turned out for thelatest protest in Vienna against coronavirus restrictions and several arrestswere made for breaching public order laws and Covid regulations, police said. Many of the protesters did not wear masks or observe social distancing asthey made their way through the centre of…

Mexican president defends 10-foot barriers to wall off women protesters

People walk past fences placed outside the National Palace ahead of expected violence in coming Monday Women’s Day protest, in Mexico City MEXICO CITY, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said a metallic barrier to wall off the presidential palace ahead of a planned women’s march…

Covid-19: Hundreds in Stockholm protest Sweden’s restrictions

Anti-lockdown protestors face police action STOCKHOLM, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Swedish police dispersed hundreds of people who had gathered in central Stockholm to protest coronavirus restrictions set by the Swedish government. Swedish authorities said the demonstration – the first major protest against the country’s coronavirus restrictions – was illegal as it was…