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Showing posts from March, 2020

191 in Sukkur quarantine near freedom, preliminary reports show no coronavirus

SUKKUR: In a positive news, 191 people kept in isolated quarantine were declared fit and healthy after spending more than 14 days by themselves, ARY News reported on Wednesday. 302 people were moved from the Taftan border to Sukkur’s quarantine facility on March 14. Read More: NCC to announce lockdown strategy to fight COVID-19: Asad Umar Out of the 191 tested positive for coronavirus while the same amount of people tested negative. Divisional commissioner of the locality says that the batch of people will be put through a final test for coronavirus which will determine their future, if tests come out negative, everyone could walk back home. The confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pakistan has jumped to 2039, whereas, 59 patients have recovered from coronavirus pandemic across the country, according to the National Command and Control Centre. Read More: Confirmed COVID-19 Cases In Pakistan Soar To 2039, 26 Deaths The latest statistics of the national dashboard showed a from COVID-19

Auto industry races to make ventilators during virus crisis

The automotive industry is offering its expertise and manpower to the hospital sector as it gears up to build mechanical ventilators during the coronavirus pandemic, an initiative that is being met with some scepticism. American auto manufacturers General Motors and Ford, French car companies PSA and Renault, and Formula 1 engineers have joined the ranks in response to a massive global shortage of the vital piece of medical equipment. As hospitals around the world face a surge of patients with breathing difficulties from COVID-19, the scarcity of ventilators has forced doctors to make life-or-death decisions. Repurposing car factories for emergency production has drawn comparisons to World War II, when they were used to build tanks and fighter planes. But some experts say that in this situation, building critical care ventilators will require different techniques and procedures from what a car factory normally sees. US President Donald Trump used wartime economy analogies to just

CM Usman Buzdar appreciates medical staff fighting coronavirus

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar on Wednesday lauded services of the doctors, nurses and paramedics staff, who treating coronavirus patients in the province, ARY News reported. As per details, CM Usman Buzdar sent bouquets to the doctors and the paramedical staff deputed at the coronavirus isolation wards. The bouquets were presented by the administrative staff on behalf of the CM Punjab. Buzdar in his message, said the Punjab government appreciates the services of the doctors and the paramedical staff who are fighting on the front-line against this pandemic in the province and termed them as ‘real heroes’. Buzdar said the services of the medical staff will be remembered in the history as they are risking their lives to cure patients. Last week, CM Usman Buzdar had announced to recruit 10,000 medical staffers including doctors, nurses and paramedics to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Announcing the decisions, the chief minister said that the new recruitment in the hea

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan soar to 2039, 26 deaths

ISLAMABAD: The confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pakistan has jumped to 2039, whereas, 59 patients have recovered from coronavirus pandemic across the country, according to the National Command and Control Centre. The latest statistics of the national dashboard showed a from COVID-19 pandemic, whereas, 12 declared in critical condition. Punjab has the highest number of infections up to 708 followed by Sindh with 676 patients. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) reported 253 cases, 158 in Balochistan, 184 in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), 54 in Islamabad and six in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The country has recorded 178 cases and two deaths during the last 24 hours. On Tuesday, Eight more patients were recovered and their tests for coronavirus came out negative in Sindh, a spokesperson for the provincial government said. The total number of recovered patients in the province stands at 49, Murtaza Wahab tweeted. COVID-19 has affected 823,200 people around the world and claimed 40,633 lives so far wh

Lackadaisical leopard strolls into Indian residency, caught shortly after

Wildlife officials in India said a Lackadaisical leopard wandered into a city and was captured about five hours after it was spotted inside a house. The Union Territory Forest Department said officials were summoned to a home in Chandigarh’s Sector 5, where the Lackadaisical leopard was spotted on CCTV cameras. Officials said the Lackadaisical leopard wandered into the house about 8 a.m. before moving on to a neighbor’s yard. Read More: WATCH: Video showing leopard, porcupine battle goes viral Forest Department officers arrived on the scene and blocked off the area. The leopard was located and tranquilized about 1:30 p.m. The Lackadaisical leopard was found to be in good health and was released into the Nepli Forest Reserve, officials said. Farmer’s family finds leopard in living room Living rooms are normally used for entertaining guests but it was much to the surprise of a farmer Dilip Jagtap, who found an unusual guest, a leopard, in his living room. “We were returning from

8 month infant, 102 year old adult cured of coronavirus

Two people at each end of the age spectrum have become beacons of hope in Northern  Italy , ground-zero for the coronavirus in Europe. Leonardo, a six-month-old baby and Italica Grondona, a 102-year-old woman have both survived the virus after each faced a long battle in hospital. Little Leonardo has recently returned home in the municipality of Corbetta in the northern Italian region of Lombardy after winning a 50-day battle against COVID-19. Local mayor Marco Ballarini called baby Leonardo ‘the wonderful face of hope’ and thanked the cute tot for helping to lift the spirits in the region. Read More: UN chief says coronavirus is worst global crisis since World War II The baby’s mother told local media: ‘I was worried a lot, especially at night. I do not wish that on any mother.’ She said that she knew her baby was ill when he had a fever and his heart rate quickened, adding that her husband’s work colleague had been diagnosed with the virus. The mother said that little Leonard

UK reports record 381 coronavirus deaths

Britain reported a record daily coronavirus toll of 381 on Tuesday, including a 13-year-old boy, more than double the number of nationwide deaths posted in the previous 24 hours. The boy, who died Monday at King’s College Hospital in London, is believed to be Britain’s youngest confirmed death in the coronavirus pandemic, with relatives saying he had no underlying illnesses. The country’s previous highest daily toll was 260, recorded on Saturday, with the number dropping to 180 on Monday. Some 25,150 people have now tested positive for the virus in Britain, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson. As of 5:00 pm (1600 GMT) on March 30, 1,789 people have died, the health ministry said on its Twitter page. But data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for England and Wales on Tuesday revealed that the true toll could be 24 percent higher. The government figures cover those who have been taken to hospital and tested for the virus whereas the ONS data is for deaths in

Housemaid allegedly killed in Gujrat

GUJRAT: A housemaid was allegedly killed in Kharian, Gujrat under pretext of coronavirus, ARY News reported on Wednesday. According to the local police, the body of the housemaid named Ramsha, was buried without autopsy in hurry. “A case has been registered against two on the complaint of the deceased’s father.” Two including Dr Muhammad Ali have been booked in a case lodged at the PS Kharian Cantt. Ramsha’s father said, her daughter was working in the house of Dr Muhammad Ali at the monthly salary of rs8000. He alleged that doctor buried his daughter in hurry by saying that she was suffering from the deadly coronavirus. The deceased’s father said the negative report of her daughter for the COVID-19 confirms that she was killed. He demanded justice in the matter from the concerned authorities. Read more: CM Usman Buzdar takes notice of torturing housemaid in Gujranwala Last year in May, another young housemaid was subjected to torture in Gujranwala . Khadija, 12-year-old, was f

UN chief says coronavirus is worst global crisis since World War II

UNITED NATIONS: The coronavirus pandemic is the worst global crisis since World War II, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday, expressing concern that it could trigger conflicts around the world. Guterres said that the scale of the crisis was due to “a disease that represents a threat to everybody in the world and… an economic impact that will bring a recession that probably has no parallel in the recent past.” “The combination of the two facts and the risk that it contributes to enhanced instability, enhanced unrest, and enhanced conflict are things that make us believe that this is the most challenging crisis we have faced since the Second World War,” he told reporters. The New York-based United Nations was founded at the end of the war in 1945 and has 193 member states. “A stronger and more effective response… is only possible in solidarity if everybody comes together and if we forget political games and understand that it is humankind that is at stake,” Guterres a

Trump wants US to be geared up for ‘very painful weeks’ to fight coronavirus

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned of a “very painful” two weeks as the United States wrestles with a coronavirus surge that the White House warns could kill as many as 240,000 Americans. “This is going to be a very painful, a very, very painful two weeks,” Trump told a press conference at the White House. Trump described the pandemic as “a plague.” “I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead,” he said. Top health experts said that the decision to maintain strict social distancing was the only way to stop the easily transmitted virus, even if this has caused massive disruption to the economy with three quarters of Americans under some form of lockdown. “There’s no magic vaccine or therapy. It’s just behaviors, each of our behaviours translating into something that changes the course of this viral pandemic over the next 30 days,” Deborah Birx, coronavirus response coordinator at the White House, said. Birx displayed a chart at the pres

Coronavirus claims another life in Karachi, Sindh’s toll rises to 7

KARACHI: Another person died of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Karachi on Tuesday, bringing the provincial number of deaths from the deadly disease to seven, ARY News reported. According to the Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho, the 70-year-old patient was a resident of Karachi and was admitted to hospital last night. “The patient had other diseases also,” said Pechuho. This brings the total number of deaths in Sindh to seven. Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho on Monday confirmed three deaths from the disease in the provincial capital. “We can confirm one more death from COVID-19 in #Sindh. The 63 y/o patient was a resident of #Karachi & was diagnosed 2 days ago. The patient had a history of ARDS [Acute respiratory distress syndrome] & had returned from Saudi Arabia 10 days ago,” the spokesperson tweeted The two patients were 52 and 66 years old and had been diagnosed with COVID-19 three days ago. Earlier in the day, 61 new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Special flight carrying German nationals leaves for Frankfurt from Pakistan

KARACHI: 262 German nationals on Tuesday left for Frankfurt via special flight from Islamabad airport, ARY News reported, citing sources. An empty flight of Qatar Airways QR-7482 was allowed to land at the Islamabad airport to bring back the German nationals from Pakistan, including embassy staff. The government of Pakistan allowed the flight to land on the request of the German government. All passengers were screened properly before the take-off of the flight. The German embassy thanked Pakistani government for providing best facilities at the airport. Earlier, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had closed five major airports of the country for international flights. Read more: NSC devises national strategy to contain coronavirus spread in Pakistan The decision was taken in the light of the decisions taken in National National Security Council (NSC) meeting, According to a notification, the international operations will remain suspended at five major airports across the count

Dr Yasmin Rashid visits field hospital at Lahore Expo Centre

LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid on Tuesday visited corona field hospital built in the Lahore Expo Centre, ARY News reported. Expressing her views on the occasion, Dr Yasmin Rashid said best medical facilities are being established at the Expo Centre. She directed to set up corona tri-edge centre. The centre will check the patients and will decide to shift them to quarantine facility or to the hospital, she added. The minister said fool-proof cleanness arrangements are ensure at the hospital, as this the main source to avoid coronavirus. Read more: CM Buzdar orders to establish field hospital at Lahore Expo Centre  Dr Yasmin also urged the masses to strictly follow the precautionary measures in the wake of coronavirus. Last week, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar had approved to establish 900-bed special field hospital at Lahore Expo Center in fight against coronavirus. The decision was taken in cabinet committee meeting chaired by CM Buzdar. The chief minister

Naval Chief to donate one month’s salary to PM’s corona relief fund

ISLAMABAD: Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi has announced to donate his one month’s salary to the relief fund announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan in the fight against COVID-19, ARY News reported. As per details, the Vice-Admiral, Rear Admiral and officers to the rank of Commodore will donate three days’ salary, while all other officers will donate two days’ salary to the relief fund. Earlier, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa also announced to donate his one month’s salary in the fight against coronavirus. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday announced the establishment of youth force and public fund during his address to the nation to fight coronavirus pandemic across Pakistan. PM Imran Khan said the world is fighting a war against coronavirus pandemic and Pakistan is also resisting the spread of the virus by utilising all available resources. Read More:  PM announces relief package, youth force, public fund to fight COVID-19 The premier said the f

Warner Bros might reduce Amber Heard’s appearance ‘Aquaman’

Warner Bros is reportedly considering to reduce Hollywood actress Amber Heard’s screentime in the upcoming movie Aquaman  amid her defamation case. As per reports , the production company is thinking about removing her character Meera from Aquaman 2 or else considering to reduce her screen time. Although nothing has been finalized yet, there are reports that her character might b replaced by Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke . Directed by James Wan, it is a sequel to the 2018 film Aquaman, set for a 2022 release. View this post on Instagram What is it about rainy days that makes you want to stay in bed all day? A post shared by Amber Heard (@amberheard) on Mar 12, 2020 at 3:07pm PDT Following the actress physically abusing former husband Johnny Dep, outraged fans want her to be punished. A petition by them calls for Amber to be ousted from the Aquaman sequel. More than 390,000 people have signed the petition on  Change.org  which ai

Shehbaz Sharif demands NSC meeting over coronavirus situation

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif has demanded to summon a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on coronavirus situation, ARY News reported on Tuesday. The PML-N leader, in a statement, said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government should immediately call the National Security Committee meeting and clear its strategy about lockdown across the country in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. He said that hiding facts on corona pandemic from the masses will create more problems for the federal and provincial administrations. Shehbaz Sharif also demanded to form parliamentary monitoring committee on coronavirus relief funds. It must be noted that the National Security Committee (NSC) held on March 14 had announced closure of educational institutions, borders besides cancellation of mass gatherings and partial suspension of flight operations. A meeting of the country’s top civil-military

Punjab education minister asks private school owners to reduce fees

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Schools Education Dr Murad Raas on Tuesday asked owners of private schools in the province to cut 20 percent fees amid coronavirus spread. The request has been made for the months of April and May. Murad Raas chaired a meeting to review the fees of the private schools. The minister requested the private school owners not to fire any teacher from job due to present circumstances. Punjab authorities have also started preparations for introducing an online system for conducting academic sessions and classes in universities across the province. The decision was taken to reduce burden and educational loss of the students amid the closure of all institutions due to coronavirus pandemic . A committee had been established to complete the task over the directives of Punjab’s Minister for Higher Education Khawaja Yasir Humayun. PHEC Chairman Professor Dr Fazl Khalid is appointed as convenor of the committee which has been tasked to finalise the suject-wise sche

CM Buzdar approves hiring of 10,000 police officers

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar on Tuesday approved the recruitment of police officers and ordered to immediately fill 10,000 vacant posts, ARY News reported. Chairing a meeting in Lahore, the chief minister ordered to purchase 500 more police mobiles on an immediate basis. He said that around 318 police vans would be purchased this year with a cost of Rs1.2 billion. “As many as 47 police vans will be given to Punjab Highway Police this year with a cost of Rs200 million and around 21 vehicles would be purchased for Punjab Elite Force. He also directed to make 45 police stations immediately functional by completing the reconstruction work. Usman Buzdar said that govt will take measures to make police stations public-friendly across Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister also directed to undertake all necessary measures to bring stability in the prices of essential edibles, including flour. Read More:  Coronavirus: 2.5 mn families to avail Punjab govt’s relief package He directe

Coronavirus epidemic ‘far from over’ in Asia: WHO

BEIJING: The coronavirus epidemic is “far from over” in the Asia-Pacific region, and current measures to curb the spread of the virus are buying time for countries to prepare for large-scale community transmissions, a WHO official said on Tuesday. Even with all the measures, the risk of transmission in the region will not go away as long as the pandemic continues, said Takeshi Kasai, Regional Director for the Western Pacific at the World Health Organization (WHO). The new coronavirus first surfaced in central China in late 2019. Infections have now exceeded 770,000 cases worldwide, with the United States, Italy and Spain overtaking mainland China in confirmed cases. “Let me be clear. The epidemic is far from over in Asia and the Pacific. This is going to be a long-term battle and we cannot let down our guard,” Kasai told a virtual media briefing. Even with all the measures, the risk of transmission in the region will not go away as long as the pandemic continues, said Takeshi Kasa

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle share their final Sussex Royal Instagram post

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared their final post on Sussex Royal Instagram before they step down from royal duties. The couple who will drop the royal from their titles on March 31 (today), said that everyone “has the potential and opportunity to make a difference in their farewell post. They said although followers may not see their presence on Instagram , they would continue their charity work. Prince Harry and Meghan described the world as “extraordinarily fragile” and urged people to “lift each other up” to make it a better place. “What’s most important right now is the health and wellbeing of everyone across the globe and finding solutions for the many issues that have presented themselves as a result of this pandemic,” they wrote. View this post on Instagram As we can all feel, the world at this moment seems extraordinarily fragile. Yet we are confident that every human being has the potential and

Family of Agha Siraj gets exemption from court appearance

KARACHI: An accountability court on Tuesday exempted the family of Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani from court appearance amid coronavirus outbreak, ARY News reported. As per details, wife, three daughters and the son of Agha Siraj file exemption plea from court appearance in assets case due to COVID-19 spread. “We cannot appear before the court due to critical situation after the virus outbreak.” The court adjourned the hearing of the case till April 29 after accepting Durrani family’s plea. On October 12, last year,  the court had issued arrest warrants of family members of Agha Siraj Durrani in assets beyond means reference. Read more: Assets case hearing against Durrani adjourned till Sept 04 Background Speaker Sindh Assembly had been nabbed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on February 20 in a case pertaining to assets beyond known income. On July 20 last year, the anti-corruption body had ordered an inquiry on charges of corruption against the Sindh Assemb

Asia markets mostly up after Wall St rally but nerves remain

Most Asian equities enjoyed gains Tuesday following another rally on Wall Street, while oil bounced, with traders welcoming a surprise jump in Chinese factory activity, though analysts cautioned that the road ahead remained rocky for the global economy. The World Bank also warned that fallout from the coronavirus pandemic could bring China’s growth to a standstill, with even a best-case scenario seeing expansion slow to 2.3 percent from 6.1 percent in 2019. Trillions of dollars pledged to offset the economic impact of the deadly virus have provided a semblance of stability to world markets, which were initially pummelled by the rapid spread of the disease, which has forced swathes of the planet — and the economy — into lockdown. While the number of infections and deaths continues to rise, observers said traders appear to be getting used to the new normal, with some suggesting the sell-off in stocks may have seen its worst. “Certainly we are seeing bottoming in the equity market,”

Coronavirus threat: LHC adjourns hearing on Hamza Shahbaz’s bail plea

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of a post-arrest bail petition filed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Hamza Shahbaz in assets beyond means case. The bench comprising Justice Sardar Ahmad Naeem and Justice Farooq Haider heard the petition and adjourned the hearing till April 7. During the hearing, the LHC Judge said that the Supreme Court had rejected all high court orders relating to the release of under-trial prisoners amidst the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The LHC argued Hamza’s advocate to tell the court how bail plea is acceptable for hearing after the apex court orders. At which, Hamza Shahbaz’s lawyer told the court that he will assist the bench after going through the SC verdict. The court then adjourned the hearing till April 7. The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) stalwart Hamza Shahbaz Sharif on March 28 had filed precautionary bail in assets beyond means case amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in the world and

Court rejects Faryal Talpur’s plea seeking restoration of bank accounts

ISLAMABAD: An accountability court on Tuesday rejected plea of Pakistan People’s Party leader Faryal Talpur, seeking restoration of her bank accounts, ARY News reported. Announcing the reserve verdict, Judge Azam Khan ordered to keep Talpur bank accounts freeze, while directed to unfreeze accounts of her children. On March 10, an accountability court had reserved verdict on PPP leader Faryal Talpur’s petition seeking restoration of her bank accounts. During the hearing, the plaintiff’s lawyer Farooq H. Naek had stated that freezing bank accounts of her client, before the approval of inquiry is against the law. Opposing the plea, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor had said that transactions of billions of rupees were conducted from the bank accounts of the accused. Faryal’s plea is not on merit, he continued. Read more:  IHC approves bail petition of Faryal Talpur in fake bank accounts case “The bank accounts were freeze as per the  law .” On December 17, last year,

Government launches Covid-19 information service on WhatsApp

ISLAMABAD: Government has launched “Coronavirus information service” on Whatsapp to create awareness and deliver updates about the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Prime Minister Office, people can get all coronavirus related information on the latest statistics and nearest labs by sending a message writing ‘Hi’ at 00923001111166. The Coronavirus information service provides information in Urdu and six regional languages, including Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi and Kashmiri. 1) کورونا کے چیلنج سے نمٹنے کے لیے وفاقی حکومت کا ایک اور اقدام ملک کے طول و عرض میں کورونا کے بارے میں تمام ضروری معلومات مقامی زبانوں میں پہنچانے کے لیے وٹس ایپ ہیلپ لائن کا اجرا انگریزی، اردو، پنجابی، پشتو، سندھی، بلوچی اور کشمیری زبان پر مبنی ہیلپ لائن کا آغاز pic.twitter.com/GaTvmtwddS — Prime Minister’s Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) March 31, 2020 The confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan has reached 1,865, according to the National Command and Control Centre. According to the report, the

SBP allows one year moratorium on consumer loans’ principle

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced relief for the consumers amid coronavirus outbreak, ARY News reported on Tuesday. The banks and development finance institutions (DFIs) would defer the principal amount on consumer loans for one year to facilitate borrowers. The SBP’s official twitter account posted that borrowers availing consumer finance for auto, housing, and personal loans and credit cards, who were regular on their payments up till December 31, 2019 could request banks to defer principal amount for one year without fee or increase in mark-up. However, it said that they would continue to service the mark-up amount. “Borrowers who are unable to service the mark-up amount or need deferment exceeding one year, may request the bank to reschedule/ restructure their facilities,” it added. Read more: SBP rolls out relief package for businesses, households The SBP said this will not affect the credit history of the borrower. Earlier, the central bank in a circul

Pakistan’s coronavirus cases reach 1,865, death toll 25

ISLAMABAD: The confirmed coronavirus cases in Pakistan has reached 1,865, according to the National Command and Control Centre. According to the report, there are 652 cases in Punjab, 625 in Sindh, 221 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 153 in Balochistan, 58 in Islamabad, 148 in Gilgit Baltistan and six cases in Azad Kashmir. The number of patients recovered from the virus stands at 57, whereas, 25 Pakistanis lost their lives and 11 remain critical in different hospitals, according to the national dashboard. 61 new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) were detected in Sindh on Tuesday morning. Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said so far 294 cases of COVID-19 have been tested positive in Karachi, with 45 new cases. 57 in Hyderabad and two cases were reported in Jamshoro and one in Jacobabad. The minister said out of 627 cases 41 have fully recovered and discharged from the hospitals. The province has conducted a total of 5,945 tests. Sources told ARY

US coronavirus death toll passes 3,000

The US death toll from the coronavirus pandemic passed 3,000 on Monday, according to the running tally compiled by the Johns Hopkins University, with more than 163,000 confirmed cases. The United States has recorded 3,008 deaths, according to the tally, while its 163,429 cases are by far the highest national number ahead of Italy, Spain and China. President Donald Trump has been criticized for an initially slow response by the federal government to the now-accelerating pandemic spread. Harrowing scenes from hospitals in New York and elsewhere revealed a health system unprepared with basic supplies such as face masks, as well as life-saving devices like respirators. On Sunday, Trump cancelled his plans to re-open much of the country by Easter — April 12 — and extended social distancing guidelines until the end of April after his top scientists confronted him with data on the rising coronavirus crisis. Trump said America’s death rate was likely to increase for two weeks, describing

Oil prices slump as COVID-19 cases surge past 700,000 globally

LONDON: Oil prices plunged Monday as the number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide surged past 700,000, reinforcing worries about the impact of the pandemic on the global economy. Stock markets reacted differently to the prospect of much of the world remaining in confinement for weeks to come, with some moving higher as officials moved to deal with the crisis, while others slid further. Crude oil struck the lowest levels in more than 17 years on Monday, with Brent North Sea tumbling to $22.58 per barrel at one point. “Estimates for the (oil) demand side are being revised downwards on an almost daily basis, while on the supply side there is still no sign of any reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Russia” regarding their price war, Commerzbank said in a client note. There are warnings that oil could sink even further as storage tanks around the world approach full capacity. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, announced it would raise exports by 600,000 barrels per day to a record 10.6 m

Tom Hanks and wife back in US after contracting virus

Hollywood megastar Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson are back home in Los Angeles after two weeks in hospital and self-isolation in Australia where they contracted the coronavirus. “Hey, Folks… We’re home now and, like the rest of America, we carry on with sheltering in place and social distancing,” the multiple Oscar-winning actor tweeted at the weekend. “Many, many thanks to everyone in Australia who looked after us,” he added. “Their care and guidance made possible our return to the USA. And many thanks to all of you who reached out with well wishes. Rita and I so appreciate it.” pic.twitter.com/f6wLTkz90m — Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) March 28, 2020 Hanks was on Australia’s Gold Coast to film an Elvis Presley biopic when he and Wilson, both 63, came down with the disease. The pair were admitted to hospital, where they were treated before being released into self-isolation. Wilson took to Instagram on Sunday to celebrate being a “Covid-19 survivor,” saying she was taking time