Covid-19: Cases rise to 22,313 in Africa – WHO

BRAZZAVILLE, April 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa says the number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Africa has risen to over 22,000. The UN’s health agency gave the update on its official twitter account, @WHOAFRO on Monday. “COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Africa;…

Covid-19: Italy’s virus cases fall for the first time

ROME, April 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Italy reported its first drop on Monday in the number of people currently suffering from the novel coronavirus since it recorded its first infection in February. Those receiving intensive care treatment also fell to the lowest level in a month as Europe’s hardest-hit country began…

Covid-19: Middle East braces for bleak Ramadan as virus threat lingers

RIYADH, April 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — From cancelled iftar feasts to suspended mosque prayers, Muslims across the Middle East are bracing for a bleak month of Ramadan fasting as the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic lingers. Ramadan is a period for both self-reflection and socialising. Believers fast from dawn to dusk…

Thousands of Israelis demonstrate against Netanyahu to ‘let democracy win’

TEL AVIV, April 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv to warn against what they said was a threat to democracy from ongoing coalition talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former rival Benny Gantz. Some 2,000 protesters, according to media estimates, followed a call launched…

Covid-19: Japan cases surge over 10,000 with hospitals stretched

TOKYO: File photo of people wearing masks when attending a memorial ceremony earlier in March this year at the Hibiya Park here to mark the anniversary of 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Photo courtesy of Rodrigo Reyes Marin/ZUMA Wire/dpa TOKYO, April 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Japanese medics are warning more must…

Covid-19: Global death toll rise to 165,216 at 1100 GMT Monday

PARIS, April 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The worldwide death toll from thenovel coronavirus pandemic rose to 165,216 on Monday, according to official sources at 1100 GMT. More than 2,403,410 declared cases have been registered in 193countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China inDecember. Of these cases, at least…

WTI oil slumps to lowest since 1986 at $10.34 a barrel

LONDON, April 21 (NNN-AGENCIES) — West Texas Intermediate oil onMonday plunged to the lowest level since 1986 at $10.34 per barrel asthe coronavirus pandemic slashes demand, leaving the world awash withcrude. Around 1500 GMT, WTI pulled back to $10.82 per barrel but was stilldown almost 41 percent compared with Friday.…

Covid-19: Mexico prohibits cremation of people killed by virus

MEXICO CITY, April 20 (NNN-TELESUR) — Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador administration prohibited the cremation of unclaimed bodies who died because of COVID-19. This decision obeys the Law on the Forced Disappearance and Search of Persons, which establishes that “corpses or remains of persons whose identity is unknown or have not…

Mali launches 2nd round of legislative elections amid security and health challenges

BAMAKO, April 20 (NNN-Xinhua) — The second round of legislative elections kicked off Sunday at 8 a.m. GMT for Malian voters to choose the remaining 125 of the 147 deputies for Mali’s National Assembly. During the first round organized on March 29, only 22 deputies were elected, including 5 women,…

Mozambique expels suspected Brazilian drug lord ‘Fuminho’

‘Fuminho’ was sent home on a Brazilian air force plane MAPUTO, April 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) — One of Brazil’s most wanted criminals has been sent home from Mozambique to face justice. Gilberto Aparecido dos Santos was allegedly a leader of one of Brazil’s most powerful criminal groups – São Paulo-based First…