Update: Covid-19 spreads to 18 African nations, including Kenya and Ethiopia

Local residents wear protective face masks on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria  NAIROBI, March 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Guinea all confirmed their first cases of the new coronavirus on Friday, giving the disease a foothold in 18 countries on the African continent. Africa had so far largely…

Covid-19: Venezuela confirms cases amid public health concerns

A woman holds a cloth to her face and with her hands in plastic bags in Caracas CARACAS, March 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Venezuela confirmed its first two cases of coronavirus amid concerns that the economically struggling South American nation is unprepared to confront a pandemic that has proven challenging for…

Greece’s first woman president vows to defend borders, rights, warns on virus

President Katerina Sakellaropoulou takes an oath during the swearing in ceremony at the Greek Parliament in Athens  ATHENS, March 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Greece’s first woman president began her term on Friday with a pledge to protect the country’s borders and defend human rights, whilst warning Greeks to follow health rules…

Covid-19: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he tested negative

President Jair Bolsonaro in Miami, Florida BRASILIA, March 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro said he had tested negative for the new coronavirus, after a scare over a trip on which at least one infected member of his staff rubbed shoulders with US President Donald Trump. The far-right Brazilian president…

Covid-19: Bulgaria declares state of emergency

Members of Sofia’s Municipality disinfects the biggest market for Chinese goods in Sofia SOFIA, March 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Bulgarian parliament voted unanimously to declare a state of emergency until April 13 to contain the spread of coronavirus. Bulgaria had 23 confirmed cases, including one fatality, according to the Health…

Guinea sets March 22 for controversial constitutional referendum

CONAKRY, March 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Guinea’s President Alpha Conde has set March 22 for the constitutional referendum on his proposed reforms that opponents worry will allow him to bypass term limits and stay in power. The vote, originally set for March 1 but delayed over local andinternational concerns about its…

EU to give migrants in Greece €2,000 to go home

Migrants live in squalor in Moria camp on Lesbos  ATHENS, March 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The EU says it will pay €2,000 each to migrants in overcrowded camps on the Greek islands willing to go back to their home countries. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced the scheme in Athens.…

Covid-19: Mauritania confirms first case

NOUAKCHOTT, March 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mauritania has confirmed its first case of novel coronavirus, the country’s health minister said,adding to the growing number of cases in West Africa. In a televised statement, Health Minister Mohamed Nedhirou Ould Hamed said the case involved a foreigner who tested positive on Friday. “He…

Covid-19: Canadian PM Trudeau in two-week isolation after wife tests positive

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau OTTAWA, March 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be in isolation for two weeks after his wife, Sophie, tested positive for coronavirus. Sophie Gregoire Trudeau recently returned from London and experienced flu-like symptoms, so she was…

Update: Spain declares state of emergency as virus cases pass 4,200

MADRID, March 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Spain has declared a state of emergency as coronavirus cases have surged beyond 4,200, with 120 deaths registered. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the administration Saturday will decide on the measures to be taken under the state of emergency, which gives the government more…