Covid-19: US passes 20 million cases – Johns Hopkins

WASHINGTON, Jan 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States has recorded more than 20 million cases of Covid-19, Johns Hopkins University said, as the New Year brought another grim milestone underlining the country’s struggle to quell the virus. The US has so far registered 20,007,149 cases and 346,408 deaths in the…

Covid-19: Pres Trump extends freeze on some work visas until March

WASHINGTON, Jan 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — US President Donald Trump has extended a suspension on issuing certain work visas and green cards through the end of March, justifying the measure as a means to shore up jobs for US citizens amid the coronavirus pandemic.Allowing immigrant workers into the country would “pose…

Covid-19: US hospital worker arrested for destroying 500 vaccine doses “deliberately”

MILWAUKEE (Wisconsin, US), Jan 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A since-fired Wisconsin hospital worker was arrested for removing more than 500 doses of Covid-19 vaccine from refrigeration, causing them to spoil, police said.A police statement said the suspect was charged after “tampering with and causing the destruction of 57 vials containing approximately…

Excitement as Africa kick starts trading under AfCFTA on Jan 1, 2021

African Heads of State met in Kigali, Rwanda to launch the Continental Free Trade Area ADDIS ABABA, Jan 2 (NNN-AFRICANEWS) — The trading phase under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signed by 54 of the 55 countries in Africa, begins from Jan 1, 2021.The deal unites an estimated…

Ghana and UK reach agreement to provide duty free economy

Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kojo Kyerematen ACCRA, Jan 2 (NNN-GNA) — Ghana and the United Kingdom have reached a consensus on the main elements of a new trade agreement.This consensus was reached after Alan Kyerematen, Ghana’s Minister of Trade and Industry and Liz Truss, UK Secretary of State…

Norway landslide: Body found as rescuers search Gjerdrum landslide

Rescuers using orange Styrofoam boards to move around the landslide area OSLO, Jan 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A body has been found shortly after rescuers and dog handlers began a risky ground search for 10 people missing in a hillside collapse in Norway. Initially it was thought too dangerous to send…

Eight Bosnians die in suspected gas poisoning while celebrating New Year

SARAJEVO, Jan 2 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Eight youngsters died in Bosniaovernight Friday in a weekend house where they celebrated the NewYear, police said with local media reporting that they were victims ofgas poisoning. The victims include four men and four women between 18 and 20 yearsof age who were found dead…

Ecuador: 799 observers to monitor the 2021 elections

QUITO, Jan 1 (NNN-TELESUR) — Ecuador’s National Electoral Council (CNE) approved 799 people who will participate as national observers to the elections set to take place on Feb. 7.   CNE officials noted that 789 citizens, two foreigners residing in the country, and eight Ecuadorians residing abroad, were selected as observers, while 139 media…

Dominican Congress passes law banning child marriage

SANTO DOMINGO, Jan 1 (NNN-TELESUR) — Dominican Republic’s Congress Wednesday passed a bill to prohibit child marriage in the Caribbean nation. The document catalogs early marriage as “a harmful practice that limits children’s s opportunities for development and access to education.” The Executive Branch will discuss the norm that states…

Covid-19: Singapore to restrict entry of some travellers from South Africa after reports of new strain

A quiet uncrowded Terminal 3, Changi Airport SINGAPORE, Jan 1 (NNN-CNA) — People with a travel history to South Africa within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore starting Monday (Jan 4), the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced. The restriction will apply to…