Covid-10: US sets new 24-hour record of infections

WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The US set a new daily record ofCovid-19 cases with more than 248,000 infections registered in thepast 24 hours, the Johns Hopkins University virus monitor reported. In the same period, 2,706 new deaths were recorded, according to datareleased by the university. Coronavirus infections have increased…

MPs urge UK to lead effort to replace “beyond repair” Iran nuclear deal

LONDON, Dec 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — UK lawmakers urged Britainto spearhead an international effort to replace the 2015 Iran nuclear deal,in a new report calling for tougher relations with Tehran. Parliament’s watchdog foreign affairs committee said the deal to rein inIran’s ballistic missile programme — known formally as the JointComprehensive Plan…

Covid-19: Tighter rules kick in for London as cases mount

LONDON, Dec 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — London on Wednesday moved into the highest level of coronavirus restrictions in an effort to control rising infection rates, dealing another blow to hospitality venues before Christmas. The British capital’s move into “Tier 3” means theatres, pubs, restaurantswill have to close, although takeaway food outlets…

Covid-19: Germany sees record death toll on first day of new lockdown

BERLIN, Dec 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Germany registered a recordnumber of deaths from Covid-19 on Wednesday, the first day of a new partial lockdown to try and curb a surge in infections. A total of 952 people died in the previous 24 hours, according to theRobert Koch Institute disease control centre.…

Covid-19: WHO urges masks at Christmas fearing new Europe surge

COPENHAGEN, Dec 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The World Health Organization in Europe urged families to wear face masks during this year’s Christmas family gatherings, as it warned of a “further resurgence” of Covid-19 in early 2021. The UN agency said people should not underestimate “the importance of your decisions” and encouraged…

Russian Pres Putin congratulates Pres-elect Joe Biden on US election victory: Kremlin

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin shakes hands with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during their meeting in Moscow March 10, 2011 MOSCOW, Dec 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday congratulated Joe Biden on his victory in the US presidential election, after Biden won the state-by-state Electoral College vote…

Kenya: Striking nurses and clinicians enters 2nd week of protests

The healthcare workers have been on strike since last Monday. NAIROBI, Dec 15 (NNN-KBC) — Patients at various public hospitals remained stranded for the second week as health care workers ditched hospitals for the streets demanding the government addresses their welfare concerns. The protests continue amid mounting pressure to unlock…

Somali government cuts diplomatic ties with Kenya

MOGADISHU, Dec 15 (NNN-KBC) — The federal government of Somalia has cut diplomatic ties with neighbouring Kenya. It has recalled all its diplomats from Nairobi and given Kenyan diplomats in Mogadishu seven days to leave the country. The announcement was made by the Minister of Information Osman Abukar Dubbe on…

Covid-19: London set for tighter curbs as new variant emerges in England

LONDON, Dec 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The British capital faces tougher Covid-19 measures within days, the UK government said, with a new coronavirus variant emerging as a possible cause for rapidly rising infection rates. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said London, and parts of three surrounding counties, would move into the highest…

Covid-19: US finds first case of coronavirus in wild animal, an Utah mink

The virus has killed more than 15,000 farmed mink in the United States since August WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The US Department of Agriculture said that it confirmed the first known case of the coronavirus in a wild animal, a mink. The discovery increases concerns about outbreaks in mink as…