Covid-19: US House committee approves another US$14 billion for pandemic-hit airlines

U.S. airlines are burning through millions of dollars as the pandemic crushes travel demand WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A US House committee approved a proposal to give airlines another US$14 billion in payroll assistance as part of a broader COVID-19 relief package that is working its way through Congress.It would be…

Covid-19: Patient sets fire to Spanish hospital room trying to escape

MADRID, Feb 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A COVID-19 patient caused panic when he set fire to his mattress while trying to escape a hospital in the southern Spanish city of Cadiz.The 63-year-old man set fire to his mattress in his room on the sixth floor of the Puerta del Mar University Hospital on…

Covid-19: Africa records 40% increase in deaths over past month

Africa’s overall fatality rates were lower than those elsewhere in the world during the first stage BRAZZAVILLE, Feb 13 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — Africa has seen a 40% increase in Covid-19 deaths over the past month compared to the previous 30 days, and is now approaching the 100,000 mark.The spike in deaths…

Ethiopia unrest: Tigray ‘one step from famine’ – EU

The country has been involved in a three-month-long conflict BRUSSELS, Feb 13 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — The European Commission warned that the Tigray region of Ethiopia could be approaching a famine, as the country’s three-month-long conflict continued.The region is largely cut off from the world as fighting enters the fourth month.European Commissioner…

2,500 Zambians to be compensated by UK miner over water pollution

Issued in 2015, the claim centered on pollution caused by the Nchanga Copper Mine LONDON, Feb 13 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — Over 2,500 villagers in Zambia are to be financially compensated by a British mining company for significant water pollution to the region’s waterways.In a joint statement issued late last month, the…

Pres Biden cancels funding for Trump border wall

Construction of the border wall takes place in Arizona  WASHINGTON, Feb 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — US President Joe Biden has rescinded the national emergency order used to fund Donald Trump’s border wall. In a letter to Congress, Biden wrote that the order was “unwarranted” and said that no further tax dollars will be…

Charles de Gaulle: Plans for huge new airport terminal in Paris scrapped

Charles de Gaulle airport, which opened in 1974, is the second busiest airport in Europe after London Heathrow  PARIS, Feb 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) —The French government has abandoned plans to build a huge new terminal at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. The coronavirus pandemic and changing environmental priorities were the reasons given…

Covid-19: Zimbabwe to begin vaccination next week – Official

 HARARE, Feb 13 (NNN-XINHUA) — Zimbabwe is scheduled to roll out its COVID-19 vaccination program next week after it receives the first batch of vaccines from China, Deputy Health Minister John Mangwiro said. The vaccination comes in phases, starting with frontline workers at high risk of infection, followed by those with chronic…

WFP appeals for more urgent funding for refugees in Rwanda

KIGALI, Feb 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The World Food Program (WFP) announced that it will have to cut food assistance to refugees in Rwanda by 60% in March because of a funding shortfall. The decision is likely to cause widespread food insecurity within the refugee community and will affect 135,000 Burundian…

Ecuador to recount presidential election votes in 17 provinces

Presidential candidate Yaku Perez QUITO, Feb 13 (NNN-XINHUA) — Ecuador’s National Electoral Council (CNE) agreed to a recount of votes in 17 of the country’s 24 provinces in presidential elections held on Feb 7, said Diana Atamaint, president of the election body. As part of an agreement reached with two candidates technically tied for the…