Covid-19: Saudi Arabia imposes 24-hour curfew in holy cities

RIYADH, April 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Saudi Arabia extended curfew restrictions on Islam’s two holiest cities to 24 hours to stem the spread of Coronavirus as the number of deaths from the disease rose to 21.The announcement comes amid uncertainty over the hajj which is due to take place at the end of…

Covid-19: Australian scientists begin tests on two possible vaccines

SYDNEY, April 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Scientists in Australia have begun testing two potential coronavirus vaccines in “milestone” lab trials. The vaccines, made by Oxford University and US company Inovio Pharmaceutical, have been cleared for animal testing by the World Health Organization. Australia’s national science agency will assess if the vaccines…

Covid-19: Shenzhen becomes first Chinese city to ban eating cat and dogs

Most Chinese people don’t actually consume dogs and cats and never plan to SHENZHEN (China), April 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Shenzhen has become the first Chinese city to ban the sale and consumption of dog and cat meat. It comes after the coronavirus outbreak was linked to wildlife meat, prompting Chinese…

Covid-19: US Navy fired Captain Brett Crozier who raised alarm on board aircraft carrier

Capt Brett Crozier wrote a scathing letter, calling for urgent action WASHINGTON, April 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The commander of the USS Theodore Roosevelt has been removed after saying the US Navy was not doing enough to halt a coronavirus outbreak on board the aircraft carrier.In a letter, Capt Brett Crozier…

Covid-19: 6.65 million Americans jobless

WASHINGTON, April 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefit has surged to 6.65m, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to upend the country’s economy. The actual figure is believed to be even higher as many people have reported jammed phone lines and difficulties with filing…

Covid-19: Top South African HIV scientist Gita Ramjee dies

South African scientist, late Gita Ramjee DURBAN, April 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Tributes are being paid to world-renowned South African scientist Gita Ramjee, who has died from Covid-19-related complications. “She dedicated many years of her life to finding HIV prevention solutions for women,” her colleague and friend Gavin Churchyard said. Head…

Covid-19: Tracking Africa’s cases

ADDIS ABABA, April 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Less than two months after Egypt became the first country in Africa to confirm a coronavirus case, the outbreak appears to have reached almost every nation on the continent of 1.2 billion people.Of Africa’s 54 countries, only five have yet to report a case…

Guinea leader’s party wins parliamentary majority

Guinean President Alpha Condé CONAKRY, April 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Guinean President Alpha Conde’s party won more than two-thirds of the seats in legislative elections held last month that were boycotted by the main opposition, the country’s electoral commission said. The government had already declared victory in a referendum held the…

Covid-19: Eritrea starts 21-day lockdown as Zambia records first death

Washing hands is the key advice given to stop the spread of coronavirus ASMARA/LUSAKA, April 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Eritrea has begun a nationwide lockdown for 21 days to stem the spread of coronavirus. The announcement came after the health ministry reported three new cases of the virus, putting the total…

Covid-19: Togo declares immediate state of emergency

Faure Gnassingbé, Togo’s President LOME, April 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé has declared an immediate three-month state of emergency to stop the spread of coronavirus.He said the seriousness of the situation warranted the measures, which include the immediate start a curfew from 19:00-06:00 local time.A 5,000-strong unit of…