Australia on Wednesday rejected Chinese criticism that his nation was parroting the United States in calls for transparency on the origins of the coronavirus.

Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg described Chinese Foreign Ministry criticism as "unwarranted and unjustified".

The Chinese ministry had&nbsp;criticised Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton's call last week for China to be transparent about the origins of the virus.

Dutton's call for Chinese transparency came after US officials revealed intelligence agencies were assessing whether the respiratory virus escaped from a biological laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the pandemic began.

The Chinese ministry said Dutton had obviously received some instructions from Washington.

"These days, certain Australian politicians are keen to parrot what those Americans have asserted and simply follow them in staging political attacks on China," a ministry spokesman said in a transcript posted on the Chinese Embassy in Australia's website.

Frydenberg told Australian Broadcasting Corp, "Dutton's role, the prime minister's role, my role, and all our colleagues' roles, is to defend the Australian national interest, and that's what we'll continue to do, and we'll speak up about it as required."

The Chinese ministry had also attacked Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne over her call this week for an independent review into the origins of the virus, including China's handling of the initial outbreak.

 
&nbsp;

Australia on Wednesday rejected Chinese criticism that his nation was parroting the United States in calls for transparency on the origins of the coronavirus. Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg described Chinese Foreign Ministry criticism as "unwarranted and unjustified".

Australia on Wednesday rejected Chinese criticism that his nation was parroting the United States in calls for transparency on the origins of the coronavirus. Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg described Chinese Foreign Ministry criticism as "unwarranted and unjustified". The Chinese ministry had criticised Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton's call last week for China to be transparent about the origins of the virus. Dutton's call for Chinese transparency came after US officials revealed intelligence agencies were assessing whether the respiratory virus escaped from a biological laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the pandemic began. The Chinese ministry said Dutton had obviously received some instructions from Washington. "These days, certain Australian politicians are keen to parrot what those Americans have asserted and simply follow them in staging political attacks on China," a ministry spokesman said in a transcript posted on the Chinese Embassy in Australia's website. Frydenberg told Australian Broadcasting Corp, "Dutton's role, the prime minister's role, my role, and all our colleagues' roles, is to defend the Australian national interest, and that's what we'll continue to do, and we'll speak up about it as required." The Chinese ministry had also attacked Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne over her call this week for an independent review into the origins of the virus, including China's handling of the initial outbreak.

Unwarranted and unjustified: Australia rejects Chinese criticism that it's parroting US

United States President Donald Trump has announced that he will be issuing a temporary suspension of immigrants into the United States. He mentioned that this move is for the benefit of American workers.

US President Donald Trump to issue suspension of immigration for 60 days | Coronavirus Pandemic

A Haitian clothing manufacturer has switched from making pants for export to face masks and medical gear for local use in order to help the country battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Haitian clothing maker churns out face masks full time to battle coronavirus

Looking after an orphaned baby rhino is hard work: you feed them bottled milk at all hours, comfort them through constant fear and bereavement and endure long nights of screaming for the absent mother they witnessed being shot dead by poachers.

South Africans volunteer to keep rhino orphanage going during lockdown

Over 100,000 tulips were chopped at a Japanese park in Chiba prefecture to avoid visitors congregating at the park amid the coronavirus state of emergency declared by the government.

Japanese park cuts 100,000 tulips to avoid people gathering amid coronavirus crisis

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will issue an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration to the United States to protect US&nbsp;workers amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak

"It would be wrong and unjust for Americans laid off by the virus to be replaced with new immigrant labor flown in from abroad," Trump said during a White House press briefing. "We must first take care of the American worker."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-wish-him-well-trump-on-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-ill-reports-293899" hreflang="en">'I wish him well': Trump on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ill reports</a>

Still, some questions remained unanswered on Tuesday as the Trump administration continued to work on the order, which follows a series of previous steps the president has taken to clamp down on legal immigration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suspends-issuing-of-new-green-cards-for-60-days-293898" hreflang="en">Trump suspends issuing of new Green Cards for 60 days</a>

WHO WILL BE AFFECTED?

Trump said the executive order would only apply to immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States, a process informally known as obtaining a green card.

The order will not affect people entering on temporary non-immigrant visas, he said. Such visas are used by tourists, business travelers and foreign workers.

The US&nbsp;Department of State issued roughly 462,000 immigrant visas in fiscal year 2019, which began on October&nbsp;1, 2018. How many immigrant visa applicants might be affected by Trump`s planned executive order remains unclear.

Trump said the order, which could be signed as soon as Wednesday, will have exemptions, but did not provide details.

Trump did not say what the executive order would mean for people who have immigrant visas and jobs secured in the United States but have not yet moved to the United States.

HOW LONG WILL THE SUSPENSION LAST?

The suspension will last 60 days, according to Trump. After that, the president said he will review US&nbsp;economic conditions and decide whether it should be extended. Future extensions could potentially be longer than 60 days, Trump said.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS?

A senior administration official told Reuters the White House was considering a separate action that could deal with skilled workers who enter the country on H-1B visas and others affected by US&nbsp;immigration policy.

The potential executive order would include exemptions for people involved in responding to the coronavirus outbreak, including farm workers and those helping to secure US&nbsp;food supplies, the official said.

Trump said at the briefing Tuesday that he may issue a second order at a later date, but did not provide details.

DOES TRUMP HAVE THE POWER TO SUSPEND IMMIGRATION?

The Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that Trump could block the entry of certain foreigners from countries deemed a security threat, an affirmation of the president`s power to restrict legal immigration under federal law.

Some legal experts argue the court`s ruling does not permit a broad, worldwide ban on immigration into the United States and expect any order to be challenged in court.

Andrea Flores, a deputy policy director with the American Civil Liberties Union, which has sued over a number of Trump immigration policies, said Trump appeared “more interested in fanning anti-immigrant flames than in saving lives” with his latest proposal.

HOW HAS TRUMP RESTRICTED IMMIGRATION BEFORE?

The Trump administration has used several legal avenues to restrict travel to the United States in the past.

Trump issued an executive order in late January that barred entry to certain travelers from China, where the coronavirus first surfaced. He similarly blocked certain travelers from Iran in February and Europe in March.

Well before the pandemic, Trump had issued travel bans for national security reasons. In late January, he added Nigeria and five other countries to a list of countries subject to visa restrictions.

WHAT DOES IMMIGRATION LOOK LIKE NOW?

The United States suspended routine visa services in most countries worldwide on March 18 due to the coronavirus outbreak, which was expected to dramatically slow legal immigration.

In addition, countries around the world have closed their borders and enacted quarantines to limit the spread of the virus, greatly reducing travel worldwide.

The State Department issues monthly visa reports that illustrate the latest trends, but that data for March is not yet public.

WOULD BLOCKING IMMIGRANTS HELP THE ECONOMY?

A record 22 million Americans sought unemployment benefits over the past month, nearly wiping out all the job gains since the Great Recession.

Trump said on Tuesday that an immigration suspension would protect US&nbsp;workers, an extension of the message he employed during his 2016 presidential campaign.

The plan drew both praise and criticism.

Thomas Homan, Trump’s former acting director of US&nbsp;Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said it "makes sense" and will keep the country safer while preserving jobs for unemployed Americans.

Giovanni Peri, an economics professor at the University of California, Davis, said researchers generally agree that immigration into the United States has stimulated economic growth, increased the size of the economy and created jobs.

“The idea that immigration threatens American jobs is just not there in any data,” he said.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will issue an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration to the United States to protect US workers amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak "It would be wrong and unjust for Americans laid off by the virus to be replaced with new immigrant labor flown in from abroad," Trump said during a White House press briefing.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will issue an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration to the United States to protect US workers amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak "It would be wrong and unjust for Americans laid off by the virus to be replaced with new immigrant labor flown in from abroad," Trump said during a White House press briefing. "We must first take care of the American worker." Also read: 'I wish him well': Trump on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ill reports Still, some questions remained unanswered on Tuesday as the Trump administration continued to work on the order, which follows a series of previous steps the president has taken to clamp down on legal immigration. Also read: Trump suspends issuing of new Green Cards for 60 days WHO WILL BE AFFECTED? Trump said the executive order would only apply to immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States, a process informally known as obtaining a green card. The order will not affect people entering on temporary non-immigrant visas, he said. Such visas are used by tourists, business travelers and foreign workers. The US Department of State issued roughly 462,000 immigrant visas in fiscal year 2019, which began on October 1, 2018. How many immigrant visa applicants might be affected by Trump`s planned executive order remains unclear. Trump said the order, which could be signed as soon as Wednesday, will have exemptions, but did not provide details. Trump did not say what the executive order would mean for people who have immigrant visas and jobs secured in the United States but have not yet moved to the United States. HOW LONG WILL THE SUSPENSION LAST? The suspension will last 60 days, according to Trump. After that, the president said he will review US economic conditions and decide whether it should be extended. Future extensions could potentially be longer than 60 days, Trump said. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS? A senior administration official told Reuters the White House was considering a separate action that could deal with skilled workers who enter the country on H-1B visas and others affected by US immigration policy. The potential executive order would include exemptions for people involved in responding to the coronavirus outbreak, including farm workers and those helping to secure US food supplies, the official said. Trump said at the briefing Tuesday that he may issue a second order at a later date, but did not provide details. DOES TRUMP HAVE THE POWER TO SUSPEND IMMIGRATION? The Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that Trump could block the entry of certain foreigners from countries deemed a security threat, an affirmation of the president`s power to restrict legal immigration under federal law. Some legal experts argue the court`s ruling does not permit a broad, worldwide ban on immigration into the United States and expect any order to be challenged in court. Andrea Flores, a deputy policy director with the American Civil Liberties Union, which has sued over a number of Trump immigration policies, said Trump appeared “more interested in fanning anti-immigrant flames than in saving lives” with his latest proposal. HOW HAS TRUMP RESTRICTED IMMIGRATION BEFORE? The Trump administration has used several legal avenues to restrict travel to the United States in the past. Trump issued an executive order in late January that barred entry to certain travelers from China, where the coronavirus first surfaced. He similarly blocked certain travelers from Iran in February and Europe in March. Well before the pandemic, Trump had issued travel bans for national security reasons. In late January, he added Nigeria and five other countries to a list of countries subject to visa restrictions. WHAT DOES IMMIGRATION LOOK LIKE NOW? The United States suspended routine visa services in most countries worldwide on March 18 due to the coronavirus outbreak, which was expected to dramatically slow legal immigration. In addition, countries around the world have closed their borders and enacted quarantines to limit the spread of the virus, greatly reducing travel worldwide. The State Department issues monthly visa reports that illustrate the latest trends, but that data for March is not yet public. WOULD BLOCKING IMMIGRANTS HELP THE ECONOMY? A record 22 million Americans sought unemployment benefits over the past month, nearly wiping out all the job gains since the Great Recession. Trump said on Tuesday that an immigration suspension would protect US workers, an extension of the message he employed during his 2016 presidential campaign. The plan drew both praise and criticism. Thomas Homan, Trump’s former acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said it "makes sense" and will keep the country safer while preserving jobs for unemployed Americans. Giovanni Peri, an economics professor at the University of California, Davis, said researchers generally agree that immigration into the United States has stimulated economic growth, increased the size of the economy and created jobs. “The idea that immigration threatens American jobs is just not there in any data,” he said.

Inside Trump's proposal to suspend legal immigration amid the coronavirus crisis

United States President Donald Trump has insisted that Harvard, the world's wealthiest university, pay back millions it received under a massive government stimulus package meant to cushion the economy from the coronavirus pandemic.

"Harvard, you pay that money back. I want Harvard to pay the money back, okay? And if they don't do that, then we'll do something else," Trump said at his daily briefing on the pandemic on Tuesday.

"I don't like it at all. This is meant for workers. This isn't meant for one of the richest institutions ... In the world," the president continued.

The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based university, to this end, tweeted it was allocated USD 8.6 million as part of the historic USD 2.2 trillion package passed last month to stimulate the collapsing US economy.

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(1/5) Harvard did not apply for, nor has it received any funds through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses. Reports saying otherwise are inaccurate.
— Harvard University (@Harvard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Harvard/status/1252737743567888387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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(3/5) Like most colleges and universities, Harvard has been allocated funds as part of the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.
— Harvard University (@Harvard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Harvard/status/1252737745606369281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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(5/5) This financial assistance will be on top of the support the University has already provided to students – including assistance with travel, providing direct aid for living expenses to those with need, and supporting students’ transition to online education.
— Harvard University (@Harvard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Harvard/status/1252737747414106118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

It said 100 per cent of the funds would be given to students "facing urgent financial needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic", and stressed that the money did not fall under the Paycheck Protection Programme for small business relief.

The Department of Education was to receive USD 30.8 billion to support schools and universities, which are closed across the country, under the stimulus package.

The Harvard Crimson reported on Tuesday that the university's endowment, the largest of any in the world, was last valued in 2019 at USD 40.9 billion -- though it cited administrators as saying that may have declined to the "mid 30-billion range" as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump has insisted that Harvard, the world's wealthiest university, pay back millions it received under a massive government stimulus package meant to cushion the economy from the coronavirus pandemic.

United States President Donald Trump has insisted that Harvard, the world's wealthiest university, pay back millions it received under a massive government stimulus package meant to cushion the economy from the coronavirus pandemic. "Harvard, you pay that money back. I want Harvard to pay the money back, okay? And if they don't do that, then we'll do something else," Trump said at his daily briefing on the pandemic on Tuesday. "I don't like it at all. This is meant for workers. This isn't meant for one of the richest institutions ... In the world," the president continued. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based university, to this end, tweeted it was allocated USD 8.6 million as part of the historic USD 2.2 trillion package passed last month to stimulate the collapsing US economy. (1/5) Harvard did not apply for, nor has it received any funds through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses. Reports saying otherwise are inaccurate. — Harvard University (@Harvard) April 21, 2020 × (3/5) Like most colleges and universities, Harvard has been allocated funds as part of the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. — Harvard University (@Harvard) April 21, 2020 × (5/5) This financial assistance will be on top of the support the University has already provided to students – including assistance with travel, providing direct aid for living expenses to those with need, and supporting students’ transition to online education. — Harvard University (@Harvard) April 21, 2020 × It said 100 per cent of the funds would be given to students "facing urgent financial needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic", and stressed that the money did not fall under the Paycheck Protection Programme for small business relief. The Department of Education was to receive USD 30.8 billion to support schools and universities, which are closed across the country, under the stimulus package. The Harvard Crimson reported on Tuesday that the university's endowment, the largest of any in the world, was last valued in 2019 at USD 40.9 billion -- though it cited administrators as saying that may have declined to the "mid 30-billion range" as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump not happy over Harvard receiving millions in coronavirus aid, wants it back

Hydroxychloroquine is proving to be a dangerous medicine for treating the new coronavirus patients. Study showed that there were more deaths in those who were given hydroxychloroquine. Watch this video to know more.

Study: Hydroxychloroquine might have damaged other organs of patients

Denmark's hairdressers flung open their doors on Monday (April 20) after a month-long coronavirus lockdown, fixing a horror show of home-made haircuts and giving hope to other Europeans that their bad hair days will soon end as well.

Danes correct home-made cuts and failed hairdos as salons reopen

Georgia's National Ballet, the former Soviet country's famous folk dance ensemble, started giving lessons online after the group's popular dance schools closed their doors due to the coronavirus.

Dance at home: Georgian national ballet moves lessons online

Italy announced that it has more number of ventilators than COVID-19 patients, Italy has around 2,573 patients under intensive unit and it has 2,659 ventilators available. Watch this video to know more.

Italy reports more ventilators than COVID-19 patients under intensive care units

Oxford University is developing a vaccine for the treatment for COVID-19, human trials for vaccine will begin from April 23. Watch this video to know more.

UK to start human trials of potential COVID-19 vaccine

The state of Missouri in the United States sued the Chinese government over the novel coronavirus outbreak, citing it as "an appalling campaign of deceit". The civil lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in a federal court by GOP state Attorney General Eric Schmitt.

US state sues China over alleged COVID-19 coverup

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have tested negative for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, days after meeting a well-known philanthropist who has been detected positive for the COVID-19 infection.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan tests negative of COVID-19

Singapore is now witnessing resurgence of the coronavirus, in the form of a second wave. Watch this video to know more.

Singapore braces for second wave of COVID-19

The World Health Organisation has become a tool of "Chinese propaganda", the Trump administration has alleged, asserting that the global health agency has lost all its credibility during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

US President Donald Trump recently announced he would put a hold on America's funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO), accusing the UN health body of becoming "China-centric" during the coronavirus pandemic.

The United States is the largest contributor to the Geneva-headquartered world body. 
"The problem with the WHO is that they've lost all credibility during this crisis," US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said on Tuesday.

"It's not like the WHO has been a highly-credible organisation for many years. The United States spends over half a billion dollars on the WHO. China spends about USD 40 million dollars on the WHO, about one-tenth of what the US spends, and yet the WHO has become a tool of Chinese propaganda," he alleged.

O'Brien said that on January 14, the WHO assured the US that there was no human to human transmission of the COVID-19, that well into the public health crisis in China, that turned out to be utterly false.

In February, the WHO criticised travel restrictions that were being placed on travel from China and other hotspots, not just by the US, but by other countries, he said.

"That turned out to be totally improper advice, and has been rejected by the public health professionals," he noted.

On March 11, the WHO came out with non-medical advice and said that the Communist Party of China's reaction to the virus has been an "amazing achievement" in containing it. And of now, the virus is in at least 184 countries, he said.

"So if that's an amazing achievement, I don't know what is. So we've got a real credibility problem with the WHO," he said.

The United States is working with friends and allies to see if it can be reformed, he said. 
"But one thing we will do, even though we've suspended funding, we're going to make sure that the taxpayer dollars of hard-working Americans that they want to see help our friends and partners and folks around the world who need it, we're going to make sure those dollars get delivered directly to countries, directly to the non-governmental organisations, the Red Cross, places that are fighting this disease on the front line," O'Brien said.

"Unfortunately, the WHO has just lost credibility at this point, and you know, instead of stopping, when you hit rock bottom, you stop digging. But the WHO today, apparently, is going to keep digging," he said.

The COVID-19 has claimed more than 45,000 lives and infected over 824,000 people in the US. Globally, the virus has killed 177,445 people and infected over 2.5 million, according to Johns Hopkins University data.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation has become a tool of "Chinese propaganda", the Trump administration has alleged, asserting that the global health agency has lost all its credibility during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The World Health Organisation has become a tool of "Chinese propaganda", the Trump administration has alleged, asserting that the global health agency has lost all its credibility during the ongoing coronavirus crisis. US President Donald Trump recently announced he would put a hold on America's funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO), accusing the UN health body of becoming "China-centric" during the coronavirus pandemic. The United States is the largest contributor to the Geneva-headquartered world body. "The problem with the WHO is that they've lost all credibility during this crisis," US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said on Tuesday. "It's not like the WHO has been a highly-credible organisation for many years. The United States spends over half a billion dollars on the WHO. China spends about USD 40 million dollars on the WHO, about one-tenth of what the US spends, and yet the WHO has become a tool of Chinese propaganda," he alleged. O'Brien said that on January 14, the WHO assured the US that there was no human to human transmission of the COVID-19, that well into the public health crisis in China, that turned out to be utterly false. In February, the WHO criticised travel restrictions that were being placed on travel from China and other hotspots, not just by the US, but by other countries, he said. "That turned out to be totally improper advice, and has been rejected by the public health professionals," he noted. On March 11, the WHO came out with non-medical advice and said that the Communist Party of China's reaction to the virus has been an "amazing achievement" in containing it. And of now, the virus is in at least 184 countries, he said. "So if that's an amazing achievement, I don't know what is. So we've got a real credibility problem with the WHO," he said. The United States is working with friends and allies to see if it can be reformed, he said. "But one thing we will do, even though we've suspended funding, we're going to make sure that the taxpayer dollars of hard-working Americans that they want to see help our friends and partners and folks around the world who need it, we're going to make sure those dollars get delivered directly to countries, directly to the non-governmental organisations, the Red Cross, places that are fighting this disease on the front line," O'Brien said. "Unfortunately, the WHO has just lost credibility at this point, and you know, instead of stopping, when you hit rock bottom, you stop digging. But the WHO today, apparently, is going to keep digging," he said. The COVID-19 has claimed more than 45,000 lives and infected over 824,000 people in the US. Globally, the virus has killed 177,445 people and infected over 2.5 million, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

WHO becoming tool of 'Chinese propaganda': Trump administration

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has condemned the death of a World Health Organisation (WHO) worker in Myanmar's western Rakhine state who was killed while driving a vehicle carrying COVID-19 samples.

Myanmar has reported 121 COVID-19 cases, including five deaths. Pyae Sone Win Maung died after being wounded in a security incident in Minbya township in Rakhine on the evening of April 20.

The WHO driver was en route, in a clearly-marked UN vehicle, from Sittwe to Yangon, transporting COVID-19 surveillance samples in support of the Ministry of Health and Sports, a statement by United Nations Myanmar said.

Guterres strongly condemned the attack in which a government official was also seriously wounded. He called for a full and transparent investigation into the incident and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

The attack comes after UN human rights experts voiced grave concern in February over the killing and displacement of civilians in north-west Myanmar during intensified conflict between the military and an armed group, the Arakan Army.

Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday warned of delays to annual monsoon preparations in Bangladesh, where host communities and refugees in Cox's Bazar are considered to be most at risk of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The population density in Cox's Bazar is 1.5 times higher than in New York City.

Preparations have been impacted by the suspension of disaster risk reduction efforts, notably improvements to drainage systems and slope stabilisation, UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic said.

Similarly, the relocation of refugees living in areas at high risk of flooding and landslide has been slowed. Supply delivery has also been challenging, as the COVID-19 lockdown has impacted road transport.

While there is no confirmed case of coronavirus among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, the UNHCR spokesperson said the government was working with the agency and its partners to address the risks of a potential outbreak in the camps and has ensured the inclusion of Rohingya refugees in its national response.

The refugee agency and partners have begun construction of isolation and treatment facilities with the goal of ensuring the availability of 1,900 beds to serve both refugees and host communities in the district in the coming weeks, Mahecic said.

Information-sharing has been expanded through a network of more than 2,000 community volunteers, religious leaders and humanitarian workers.

"While it is vital to prioritise public health-related preparations in the camps at this time, cyclone and monsoon preparedness activities must also continue," Mahecic said.

Personal protective equipment is desperately needed, given the magnitude of the increased demands. The large-scale procurement and distribution of this equipment is vital to ensure that COVID-19 does not take hold and spread rapidly, he said.

The 2020 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis is seeking USD 877 million to meet the most critical needs before the COVID-19 pandemic began. To date, it is only 16 per cent funded.

"We must make every effort to ensure that the possible spread of the virus and the coming monsoon season do not exacerbate the already highly vulnerable situation of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh," Mahecic said.

UNHCR is urging the international community to stand in solidarity with refugees and internally displaced persons to avert the bleak potential of both a natural and public health disaster, striking the world's largest refugee camp.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has condemned the death of a World Health Organisation (WHO) worker in Myanmar's western Rakhine state who was killed while driving a vehicle carrying COVID-19 samples.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has condemned the death of a World Health Organisation (WHO) worker in Myanmar's western Rakhine state who was killed while driving a vehicle carrying COVID-19 samples. Myanmar has reported 121 COVID-19 cases, including five deaths. Pyae Sone Win Maung died after being wounded in a security incident in Minbya township in Rakhine on the evening of April 20. The WHO driver was en route, in a clearly-marked UN vehicle, from Sittwe to Yangon, transporting COVID-19 surveillance samples in support of the Ministry of Health and Sports, a statement by United Nations Myanmar said. Guterres strongly condemned the attack in which a government official was also seriously wounded. He called for a full and transparent investigation into the incident and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The attack comes after UN human rights experts voiced grave concern in February over the killing and displacement of civilians in north-west Myanmar during intensified conflict between the military and an armed group, the Arakan Army. Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday warned of delays to annual monsoon preparations in Bangladesh, where host communities and refugees in Cox's Bazar are considered to be most at risk of the COVID-19 pandemic. The population density in Cox's Bazar is 1.5 times higher than in New York City. Preparations have been impacted by the suspension of disaster risk reduction efforts, notably improvements to drainage systems and slope stabilisation, UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic said. Similarly, the relocation of refugees living in areas at high risk of flooding and landslide has been slowed. Supply delivery has also been challenging, as the COVID-19 lockdown has impacted road transport. While there is no confirmed case of coronavirus among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, the UNHCR spokesperson said the government was working with the agency and its partners to address the risks of a potential outbreak in the camps and has ensured the inclusion of Rohingya refugees in its national response. The refugee agency and partners have begun construction of isolation and treatment facilities with the goal of ensuring the availability of 1,900 beds to serve both refugees and host communities in the district in the coming weeks, Mahecic said. Information-sharing has been expanded through a network of more than 2,000 community volunteers, religious leaders and humanitarian workers. "While it is vital to prioritise public health-related preparations in the camps at this time, cyclone and monsoon preparedness activities must also continue," Mahecic said. Personal protective equipment is desperately needed, given the magnitude of the increased demands. The large-scale procurement and distribution of this equipment is vital to ensure that COVID-19 does not take hold and spread rapidly, he said. The 2020 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis is seeking USD 877 million to meet the most critical needs before the COVID-19 pandemic began. To date, it is only 16 per cent funded. "We must make every effort to ensure that the possible spread of the virus and the coming monsoon season do not exacerbate the already highly vulnerable situation of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh," Mahecic said. UNHCR is urging the international community to stand in solidarity with refugees and internally displaced persons to avert the bleak potential of both a natural and public health disaster, striking the world's largest refugee camp.

UN condemns killing of WHO staffer in Myanmar transporting COVID-19 samples

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to undergo a test for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, days after meeting a well-known philanthropist who has been detected positive for the COVID-19 infection, an official has said.

A total of 17 more people have died in Pakistan from the COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 209. The number of coronavirus cases has risen to 9,749 with 533 new infections reported as of Wednesday, the Ministry of National Health Services has said.

Advisor on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the family of the Prime Minister has already tested negative. 
Khan will get tested on Wednesday, Awan said.

Khan's personal physician and CEO of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Faisal Sultan, told the media on Tuesday that he would undergo a COVID-19 test.

"Prime Minister Khan will undergo test of the coronavirus to show that he is a responsible citizen of this county.We will follow all protocols in place and make recommendations accordingly,? he said.

Khan agreed for the test after Faisal Edhi, the son of late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi and chairman of the Edhi Foundation, met him last week, and has now tested positive for the coronavirus. 
Saad, the son of Faisal Edhi, told the Dawn newspaper on Tuesday that his father started showing symptoms last week, soon after meeting Khan in Islamabad on April 15.

"The symptoms lasted for four days before subsiding," Saad said.

Faisal Edhi had met Prime Minister Khan to hand over a Rs 10 million cheque for the premier's coronavirus relief fund.

The Edhi Foundation was founded by the late Abdul Sattar Edhi and is the leading charity organisation in Pakistan.

Khan will participate in an event on Thursday organised to collect donations to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Pakistan's Punjab province has reported 4,328 cases, Sindh has 3,053, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 1,345, Balochistan 495, Gilgit-Baltistan 284, Islamabad 194 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 51 patients.

So far, 118,020 tests have been done nationwide, including 5,647 in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, at least 492 Pakistanis, including 92 women, stranded in Afghanistan due to coronavirus pandemic have returned to their country from the Torkham border.

Officials said another 111 children, not registered with them as stranded persons but travelling with their parents, mostly mothers, were also allowed to enter Pakistan, the Dawn newspaper reported.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to undergo a test for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, days after meeting a well-known philanthropist who has been detected positive for the COVID-19 infection, an official has said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to undergo a test for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, days after meeting a well-known philanthropist who has been detected positive for the COVID-19 infection, an official has said. A total of 17 more people have died in Pakistan from the COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 209. The number of coronavirus cases has risen to 9,749 with 533 new infections reported as of Wednesday, the Ministry of National Health Services has said. Advisor on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the family of the Prime Minister has already tested negative. Khan will get tested on Wednesday, Awan said. Khan's personal physician and CEO of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Faisal Sultan, told the media on Tuesday that he would undergo a COVID-19 test. "Prime Minister Khan will undergo test of the coronavirus to show that he is a responsible citizen of this county.We will follow all protocols in place and make recommendations accordingly,? he said. Khan agreed for the test after Faisal Edhi, the son of late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi and chairman of the Edhi Foundation, met him last week, and has now tested positive for the coronavirus. Saad, the son of Faisal Edhi, told the Dawn newspaper on Tuesday that his father started showing symptoms last week, soon after meeting Khan in Islamabad on April 15. "The symptoms lasted for four days before subsiding," Saad said. Faisal Edhi had met Prime Minister Khan to hand over a Rs 10 million cheque for the premier's coronavirus relief fund. The Edhi Foundation was founded by the late Abdul Sattar Edhi and is the leading charity organisation in Pakistan. Khan will participate in an event on Thursday organised to collect donations to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Pakistan's Punjab province has reported 4,328 cases, Sindh has 3,053, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 1,345, Balochistan 495, Gilgit-Baltistan 284, Islamabad 194 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 51 patients. So far, 118,020 tests have been done nationwide, including 5,647 in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, at least 492 Pakistanis, including 92 women, stranded in Afghanistan due to coronavirus pandemic have returned to their country from the Torkham border. Officials said another 111 children, not registered with them as stranded persons but travelling with their parents, mostly mothers, were also allowed to enter Pakistan, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan set to get tested for coronavirus

Clear skies as pollution declines amid coronavirus lockdown

The state of Missouri in the United States has sued China over the COVID-19 pandemic. A lawsuit has been filed in a federal court seeking damages from China for covering up the pandemic. Watch report.

Missouri lawsuit accuses China of a 'coverup' over coronavirus pandemic

A Japanese care home for infants reported eight cases of coronavirus infection among its children.

One staff member had, on April 16, tested positive for the virus, and tests were subsequently conducted on its 29 children, a spokeswoman at Saiseikai Central Hospital, which runs the institution, said on Wednesday.

None of the eight children were showing major symptoms. They, however, had been hospitalised.

Residential-care facilities in Japan are home to children who cannot live at home for reasons such as abuse or neglect.

The institution said seven of its 47 staff, including the person who already tested positive, has been asked to stay at home because of symptoms.

Japan has so far registered more than 11,500 coronavirus infections and nearly 300 deaths.&nbsp;

A Japanese care home for infants reported eight cases of coronavirus infection among its children. One staff member had, on April 16, tested positive for the virus, and tests were subsequently conducted on its 29 children, a spokeswoman at Saiseikai Central Hospital, which runs the institution, said on Wednesday.

A Japanese care home for infants reported eight cases of coronavirus infection among its children. One staff member had, on April 16, tested positive for the virus, and tests were subsequently conducted on its 29 children, a spokeswoman at Saiseikai Central Hospital, which runs the institution, said on Wednesday. None of the eight children were showing major symptoms. They, however, had been hospitalised. Residential-care facilities in Japan are home to children who cannot live at home for reasons such as abuse or neglect. The institution said seven of its 47 staff, including the person who already tested positive, has been asked to stay at home because of symptoms. Japan has so far registered more than 11,500 coronavirus infections and nearly 300 deaths.

Japanese care home reports eight children with coronavirus

For the first time since World War-II, the prestigious spelling bee tournament, which has been dominated by Indian-Americans over the years, has been cancelled for 2020 in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

The competition, which is only open to students in elementary and middle school, will return on June 1, 2021. However, the eighth graders who qualified this year for their last try at the national title won't be able to participate next year, spelling bee officials said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Our hearts go out to the spellers who won't get their final shot at winning because of the pandemic and the difficult decisions it is prompting us to make. They are now part of a widely expanding group of children and adults who are missing out on opportunities due to the coronavirus," said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Bee.

Organisers of the Scripps National Spelling Bee cancelled the event citing "no clear path to safely set a new date in 2020".

The action is due to the ongoing concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus and uncertainty around when public gatherings will be possible or advisable, they said in a statement.

The decision follows the Bee's announcement on March 20 that it was suspending the national finals with hopes to reschedule. 
The only other time the spelling bee, an annual event since 1925, was cancelled was from 1943 to 1945 because of World War II.

"Our thoughts immediately go to our spellers and their families. The students have dedicated time and effort to their passion for learning. They should be proud of all they have accomplished by winning spelling bees at the classroom, school and regional level," Kimble said.

"Nevertheless, our first priority has to be to the health and well-being of our spellers and their families and the hundreds of staff and spectators that come together for Bee Week," she said.

Last year, after running out of words that were challenging enough for the contestants, the Spelling Bee ended in a eight-way tie resulting in an unprecedented octo-champs.

Six of the champions were Indian-Americans Rishik Gandhasri, Saketh Sundar, Shruthika Padhy, Sohum Sukhatankar, Abhijay Kodal and Rohan Raja. The two others were Erin Howard and Christopher Serrao.

For the first time since World War-II, the prestigious spelling bee tournament, which has been dominated by Indian-Americans over the years, has been cancelled for 2020 in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

For the first time since World War-II, the prestigious spelling bee tournament, which has been dominated by Indian-Americans over the years, has been cancelled for 2020 in view of the coronavirus pandemic. The competition, which is only open to students in elementary and middle school, will return on June 1, 2021. However, the eighth graders who qualified this year for their last try at the national title won't be able to participate next year, spelling bee officials said in a statement on Tuesday. "Our hearts go out to the spellers who won't get their final shot at winning because of the pandemic and the difficult decisions it is prompting us to make. They are now part of a widely expanding group of children and adults who are missing out on opportunities due to the coronavirus," said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Bee. Organisers of the Scripps National Spelling Bee cancelled the event citing "no clear path to safely set a new date in 2020". The action is due to the ongoing concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus and uncertainty around when public gatherings will be possible or advisable, they said in a statement. The decision follows the Bee's announcement on March 20 that it was suspending the national finals with hopes to reschedule. The only other time the spelling bee, an annual event since 1925, was cancelled was from 1943 to 1945 because of World War II. "Our thoughts immediately go to our spellers and their families. The students have dedicated time and effort to their passion for learning. They should be proud of all they have accomplished by winning spelling bees at the classroom, school and regional level," Kimble said. "Nevertheless, our first priority has to be to the health and well-being of our spellers and their families and the hundreds of staff and spectators that come together for Bee Week," she said. Last year, after running out of words that were challenging enough for the contestants, the Spelling Bee ended in a eight-way tie resulting in an unprecedented octo-champs. Six of the champions were Indian-Americans Rishik Gandhasri, Saketh Sundar, Shruthika Padhy, Sohum Sukhatankar, Abhijay Kodal and Rohan Raja. The two others were Erin Howard and Christopher Serrao.

Spelling Bee cancelled for first time since WW-II due to coronavirus pandemic

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised concern over the unscientific disposal of the bio-medical waste arising out of the handling of the COVID-19 disease.&nbsp;

NGT has urged the State Pollution Control Board and Pollution Control Committee to put in serious efforts to mitigate possible risk of contamination of land.

A bench headed by Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, on Tuesday, raked up the issue of gaps in compliance of the Bio Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 which are applicable to the disposal of the bio-medical waste generated out of handling a viral disease.

The tribunal also perused the guidelines for 'Handling, Treatment and Disposal of Waste Generated during Treatment, Diagnosis, Quarantine of COVID-19 Patients' issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently.

It expressed the need for proper disposal of used Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), used bags, gloves, goggles, without the same getting mixed with other municipal solid waste causing contamination.

The bench also expressed the need to review the effectiveness of the monitoring mechanism. It stated that there was a need to create awareness by special awareness programmers, organising training in concerned local bodies, health departments, providing workers handling COVID-19 waste with adequate protective gear, adequate coordination with media and other concerned regulatory authorities.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised concern over the unscientific disposal of the bio-medical waste arising out of the handling of the COVID-19 disease.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised concern over the unscientific disposal of the bio-medical waste arising out of the handling of the COVID-19 disease. NGT has urged the State Pollution Control Board and Pollution Control Committee to put in serious efforts to mitigate possible risk of contamination of land. A bench headed by Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, on Tuesday, raked up the issue of gaps in compliance of the Bio Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 which are applicable to the disposal of the bio-medical waste generated out of handling a viral disease. The tribunal also perused the guidelines for 'Handling, Treatment and Disposal of Waste Generated during Treatment, Diagnosis, Quarantine of COVID-19 Patients' issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently. It expressed the need for proper disposal of used Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), used bags, gloves, goggles, without the same getting mixed with other municipal solid waste causing contamination. The bench also expressed the need to review the effectiveness of the monitoring mechanism. It stated that there was a need to create awareness by special awareness programmers, organising training in concerned local bodies, health departments, providing workers handling COVID-19 waste with adequate protective gear, adequate coordination with media and other concerned regulatory authorities.

NGT raises concern over COVID-19 bio-medical waste disposal

There's a small town in the United States where the researchers have begun testing an entire population for the novel coronavirus and its antibodies.

Bolinas, a wealthy beach town in Marin County, near Silicon Valley in northern California, raised funds to test all 1,680 of its residents, in partnership with University of California-San Francisco (UCSF).

Dr Aenor Sawyer, an assistant professor at UCSF and a Bovinas resident, said the town is uniquely situated to teach the medical community about how the disease spreads because it lies two miles (3 km) from a highway with no through road.

The tests are being offered for free.

There have been no confirmed coronavirus cases in Bolinas, but many residents are older than 60 and at higher risk from contracting COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus.

Telluride, Colorado, and Fisher Island, Florida, are two other wealthy towns providing free diagnostic tests for all their residents.

There's a small town in the United States where the researchers have begun testing an entire population for the novel coronavirus and its antibodies. Bolinas, a wealthy beach town in Marin County, near Silicon Valley in northern California, raised funds to test all 1,680 of its residents, in partnership with University of California-San Francisco (UCSF).

There's a small town in the United States where the researchers have begun testing an entire population for the novel coronavirus and its antibodies. Bolinas, a wealthy beach town in Marin County, near Silicon Valley in northern California, raised funds to test all 1,680 of its residents, in partnership with University of California-San Francisco (UCSF). Dr Aenor Sawyer, an assistant professor at UCSF and a Bovinas resident, said the town is uniquely situated to teach the medical community about how the disease spreads because it lies two miles (3 km) from a highway with no through road. The tests are being offered for free. There have been no confirmed coronavirus cases in Bolinas, but many residents are older than 60 and at higher risk from contracting COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus. Telluride, Colorado, and Fisher Island, Florida, are two other wealthy towns providing free diagnostic tests for all their residents.

This town in US is testing everyone for coronavirus

United States President Donald Trump lashed out at a female reporter, asking her to keep her voice down during a coronavirus press briefing.

On Sunday, it so happened that CBS reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to hold rallies throughout February despite the threat of the looming pandemic, and why he failed to enact social distancing until mid-March. To this end, the US president first demanded to know who she worked for.

“Who are you with, who are you with … yeah, who are you with?” Trump said, before suggesting his Chinese travel ban in late January was evidence he was on top of the crisis.

The US implemented its ban on travel from China on February 2.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-will-sign-executive-order-to-temporarily-suspend-immigration-into-us-293718">Also read |&nbsp;Trump says will sign executive order to temporarily suspend immigration into US</a>

When Jiang pointed out the ban only applied to Chinese nationals, and not Americans who may have returned with the virus, Trump interrupted, and said, "Nice and easy, nice and easy, just relax. We cut it off, people were amazed … everybody was amazed that I did it."

Trump also accused Jiang of failing to do her research.

“How many cases of virus were in the United States when I issued the ban? Do you know the number?” he said, adding, “No no, you have to do your research,” when she did not answer.

“Keep your voice down please, keep your voice down,” Trump continued when Jiang attempted to reply.

He then claimed there were no confirmed deaths from coronavirus in the US before the ban, telling Jiang to say -- 'Thank you very much for good judgement’.

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Coronavirus has so far claimed 42,904 lives in the US, while the total number of cases has surpassed 7,80,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-death-toll-tops-42000-cases-surpass-780000-293690">Also read |&nbsp;US COVID-19 death toll tops 42,000; cases surpass 7,80,000</a>

United States President Donald Trump lashed out at a female reporter, asking her to keep her voice down during a coronavirus press briefing. On Sunday, it so happened that CBS reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to hold rallies throughout February despite the threat of the looming pandemic, and why he failed to enact social distancing until mid-March.

United States President Donald Trump lashed out at a female reporter, asking her to keep her voice down during a coronavirus press briefing. On Sunday, it so happened that CBS reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to hold rallies throughout February despite the threat of the looming pandemic, and why he failed to enact social distancing until mid-March. To this end, the US president first demanded to know who she worked for. “Who are you with, who are you with … yeah, who are you with?” Trump said, before suggesting his Chinese travel ban in late January was evidence he was on top of the crisis. The US implemented its ban on travel from China on February 2. Also read | Trump says will sign executive order to temporarily suspend immigration into US When Jiang pointed out the ban only applied to Chinese nationals, and not Americans who may have returned with the virus, Trump interrupted, and said, "Nice and easy, nice and easy, just relax. We cut it off, people were amazed … everybody was amazed that I did it." Trump also accused Jiang of failing to do her research. “How many cases of virus were in the United States when I issued the ban? Do you know the number?” he said, adding, “No no, you have to do your research,” when she did not answer. “Keep your voice down please, keep your voice down,” Trump continued when Jiang attempted to reply. He then claimed there were no confirmed deaths from coronavirus in the US before the ban, telling Jiang to say -- 'Thank you very much for good judgement’. × Coronavirus has so far claimed 42,904 lives in the US, while the total number of cases has surpassed 7,80,000. Also read | US COVID-19 death toll tops 42,000; cases surpass 7,80,000

Trump berates female reporter at daily coronavirus briefing

WION in an exclusive conversation spoke to Sri Lanka's Ex-leader of opposition Sajith Premadasa on the current situation of pandemic COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.

Exclusive: Sajith Premadasa, Sri Lanks's Ex-leader of oppn speaks on current COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka

Indonesia has banned the mass exodus tradition, locally known as 'mudik', at the end of the Muslim fasting month -- Ramzan -- in May in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

"I have taken the decision that we will ban mudik. That is why the relevant preparation needs to be done," President Joko Widodo said on Tuesday, in a cabinet meeting.

Widodo cited a transport ministry survey that said 24 per cent of Indonesians were insisting on joining the exodus after Ramzan in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country.

Indonesia on Friday surpassed the Philippines to become the country with the highest number of infections in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia’s death toll from the new coronavirus has likely reached 1,000, nearly double the official figure of 535, Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) chairman Daeng Faqih was quoted saying on Saturday.

Indonesia has banned the mass exodus tradition, locally known as 'mudik', at the end of the Muslim fasting month -- Ramzan -- in May in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

Indonesia has banned the mass exodus tradition, locally known as 'mudik', at the end of the Muslim fasting month -- Ramzan -- in May in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country. "I have taken the decision that we will ban mudik. That is why the relevant preparation needs to be done," President Joko Widodo said on Tuesday, in a cabinet meeting. Widodo cited a transport ministry survey that said 24 per cent of Indonesians were insisting on joining the exodus after Ramzan in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country. Indonesia on Friday surpassed the Philippines to become the country with the highest number of infections in Southeast Asia. Indonesia’s death toll from the new coronavirus has likely reached 1,000, nearly double the official figure of 535, Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) chairman Daeng Faqih was quoted saying on Saturday.

Indonesia bans Ramzan mass exodus tradition to curb coronavirus spread

Nearly 100 people at the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex have been quarantined after a sanitation worker there tested positive for coronavirus. The secretary-level officials and their families have been asked to be under home quarantine, workers were taken to a quarantine facility in central Delhi.

COVID-19 case in Rashtrapati Bhavan: 100 staffers asked to quarantine

United States President Donald Trump is mulling signing an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration into America, amid the coronavirus outbreak that has killed nearly 42,000 people in the country.

The number of people killed in the US due to COVID-19 has reached 42,094, and more than 7,80,000 cases have been confirmed.

"In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!" Trump said in a tweet.

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In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!
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Trump's reasoning that he needs to protect jobs of American citizens indicates that non-immigrant work visas too might be on his target.

In the United States, due to coronavirus, a record number of 22 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-us-benchmark-wti-oil-collapses-to-001-a-barrel-293678">Also read |&nbsp;Amid coronavirus pandemic, US benchmark WTI oil collapses to $0.01 a barrel</a>

Trump has already closed the Northern and Southern border that attracts a large number of illegal immigrants. Last month, the United States suspended all routine visa services around the world due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Globally, more than 2.4 million people have been infected with the virus and over 1,65,000 killed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-death-toll-tops-42000-cases-surpass-780000-293690">Also read |&nbsp;US COVID-19 death toll tops 42,000; cases surpass 7,80,000</a>

United States President Donald Trump is mulling signing an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration into America, amid the coronavirus outbreak that has killed nearly 42,000 people in the country.

United States President Donald Trump is mulling signing an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration into America, amid the coronavirus outbreak that has killed nearly 42,000 people in the country. The number of people killed in the US due to COVID-19 has reached 42,094, and more than 7,80,000 cases have been confirmed. "In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!" Trump said in a tweet. In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2020 × Trump's reasoning that he needs to protect jobs of American citizens indicates that non-immigrant work visas too might be on his target. In the United States, due to coronavirus, a record number of 22 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits. Also read | Amid coronavirus pandemic, US benchmark WTI oil collapses to $0.01 a barrel Trump has already closed the Northern and Southern border that attracts a large number of illegal immigrants. Last month, the United States suspended all routine visa services around the world due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Globally, more than 2.4 million people have been infected with the virus and over 1,65,000 killed. Also read | US COVID-19 death toll tops 42,000; cases surpass 7,80,000

Trump says will sign executive order to temporarily suspend immigration into US

The coronavirus pandemic that has been ravaging the entire planet now stands to threaten the peace process between the United States and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The US effort to end the war in Afghanistan, to be precise, will suffer a setback if Taliban and government prisoners die in custody before they can be exchanged.

While the pandemic has grounded other US envoys, Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad last week flew to Doha, where the Taliban have an office, and Islamabad following a March 23 trip by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Doha and Kabul.

"If a good number of prisoners on either side contract the disease or die in prison because of an outbreak, it will be a humanitarian issue and it will make intra-Afghan negotiations that much more difficult," said a source familiar with the matter.

Experts say that the fact that Pompeo and Khalilzad travelled even as the COVID-19 disease spread underscores the depth of Washington's concerns that President Donald Trump's effort to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan could collapse.

This might in turn deprive him of a foreign policy victory to move ahead as far as the November US presidential election is concerned.

THE DEAL

A February 29 US-Taliban deal for a US troop withdrawal after more than 18 years of intervention called for the government to release up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners and the insurgents to free up to 1,000 detainees by March 10.

The Taliban, however, demanded Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government, which was not a party to that deal, release all 5,000 prisoners at once before negotiations. They have also stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces. Ghani rejected the demand and has begun a phased release of 1,500 prisoners, while the insurgents have freed 40 detainees.

An expert outside of the US government, however, has noted that many countries have freed prisoners because of the disease and said this could be a face-saving way for Ghani and the Taliban to accelerate the releases. This would allow Kabul to cite humanitarian grounds for freeing Taliban detainees.

Afghanistan has recorded nearly 1,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The coronavirus pandemic that has been ravaging the entire planet now stands to threaten the peace process between the United States and Afghanistan. The US effort to end the war in Afghanistan, to be precise, will suffer a setback if Taliban and government prisoners die in custody before they can be exchanged.

The coronavirus pandemic that has been ravaging the entire planet now stands to threaten the peace process between the United States and Afghanistan. The US effort to end the war in Afghanistan, to be precise, will suffer a setback if Taliban and government prisoners die in custody before they can be exchanged. While the pandemic has grounded other US envoys, Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad last week flew to Doha, where the Taliban have an office, and Islamabad following a March 23 trip by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Doha and Kabul. "If a good number of prisoners on either side contract the disease or die in prison because of an outbreak, it will be a humanitarian issue and it will make intra-Afghan negotiations that much more difficult," said a source familiar with the matter. Experts say that the fact that Pompeo and Khalilzad travelled even as the COVID-19 disease spread underscores the depth of Washington's concerns that President Donald Trump's effort to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan could collapse. This might in turn deprive him of a foreign policy victory to move ahead as far as the November US presidential election is concerned. THE DEAL A February 29 US-Taliban deal for a US troop withdrawal after more than 18 years of intervention called for the government to release up to 5,000 Taliban prisoners and the insurgents to free up to 1,000 detainees by March 10. The Taliban, however, demanded Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's government, which was not a party to that deal, release all 5,000 prisoners at once before negotiations. They have also stepped up attacks on Afghan security forces. Ghani rejected the demand and has begun a phased release of 1,500 prisoners, while the insurgents have freed 40 detainees. An expert outside of the US government, however, has noted that many countries have freed prisoners because of the disease and said this could be a face-saving way for Ghani and the Taliban to accelerate the releases. This would allow Kabul to cite humanitarian grounds for freeing Taliban detainees. Afghanistan has recorded nearly 1,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus. (with inputs from Reuters)

US effort to end war in Afghanistan threatened by coronavirus

A few of US heavy-equipment manufacturers resumed production and some states rolled out aggressive reopening plans on Monday, despite nationwide stay-at-home guidelines in the country.

The reopenings come in the aftermath of oil futures plunging below zero on Monday and stocks and Treasury yields also dropping on Wall Street. The cost to have a barrel of US Crude delivered in May plummeted to negative $37.63. It was at roughly $60 at the start of the year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-us-benchmark-wti-oil-collapses-to-001-a-barrel-293678">Also read |&nbsp;Amid coronavirus pandemic, US benchmark WTI oil collapses to $0.01 a barrel</a>

To this end, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced plans to restart the state's economy before the end of the week. According to his directive, gyms, hair salons, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors could reopen Friday, as long as owners followed strict social distancing and hygiene requirements.

Texas also on Monday began a week of slow reopenings, starting off with state parks, while officials said that later in the week, stores would be allowed to offer curbside service.

Tennessee, Republican West Virginia and Democratic Colorado will also follow suit.

Coming to manufacturers, Boeing said it was putting about 27,000 people back to work this week building passenger jets at its Seattle-area plants, with virus-slowing precautions in place, including face masks and staggered shifts.

Doosan Bobcat, a farm equipment maker and North Dakota's largest manufacturer, announced the return of about 2,200 workers at three factories around the state.

The death toll in the US stands at more than 42,000 -- the highest in the world -- with over 7,80,000 confirmed infections.

Elsewhere around the world, step-by-step reopenings have been underway in Europe, where the crisis has begun to ebb in places such as Italy, Spain and Germany.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-death-toll-tops-42000-cases-surpass-780000-293690">Also read |&nbsp;US COVID-19 death toll tops 42,000; cases surpass 7,80,000</a>

A few of US heavy-equipment manufacturers resumed production and some states rolled out aggressive reopening plans on Monday, despite nationwide stay-at-home guidelines in the country.

A few of US heavy-equipment manufacturers resumed production and some states rolled out aggressive reopening plans on Monday, despite nationwide stay-at-home guidelines in the country. The reopenings come in the aftermath of oil futures plunging below zero on Monday and stocks and Treasury yields also dropping on Wall Street. The cost to have a barrel of US Crude delivered in May plummeted to negative $37.63. It was at roughly $60 at the start of the year. Also read | Amid coronavirus pandemic, US benchmark WTI oil collapses to $0.01 a barrel To this end, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced plans to restart the state's economy before the end of the week. According to his directive, gyms, hair salons, bowling alleys and tattoo parlors could reopen Friday, as long as owners followed strict social distancing and hygiene requirements. Texas also on Monday began a week of slow reopenings, starting off with state parks, while officials said that later in the week, stores would be allowed to offer curbside service. Tennessee, Republican West Virginia and Democratic Colorado will also follow suit. Coming to manufacturers, Boeing said it was putting about 27,000 people back to work this week building passenger jets at its Seattle-area plants, with virus-slowing precautions in place, including face masks and staggered shifts. Doosan Bobcat, a farm equipment maker and North Dakota's largest manufacturer, announced the return of about 2,200 workers at three factories around the state. The death toll in the US stands at more than 42,000 -- the highest in the world -- with over 7,80,000 confirmed infections. Elsewhere around the world, step-by-step reopenings have been underway in Europe, where the crisis has begun to ebb in places such as Italy, Spain and Germany. Also read | US COVID-19 death toll tops 42,000; cases surpass 7,80,000

Coronavirus lockdown: Few US manufacturers, states reopening amid political pressure

covid-19-0

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