Tuesday, April 21st, 2020
Uzbekistan Labor Minister Calls for End to Cotton Boycott to Ease COVID-19 Economic Pressure
TASHKENT, DNA – The novel coronavirus pandemic has caused significant damage to the world economy. According to preliminary estimates from the International Labor Organization (ILO), up to 25 million individuals will lose their jobs globally as a direct result of COVID-19—Uzbekistan is no exception. The Government of Uzbekistan is taking action to support the economy, including by establishing a 10 trillion sum ($1.05 billion) COVID-19 support fund, but many Uzbeks will remain vulnerable to the downturn. The Ministry for Employment and Labor Relations of Uzbekistan estimates that 1.5 millionRead More
PM Imran Khan to be tested for coronavirus
ISLAMABAD, APR 21 – Prime Minister Imran Khan will undergo the coronavirus test, officials confirmed Tuesday. A few days ago, the prime minister met an individual who has tested positive for the virus, PM’s focal person on the pandemic Dr Faisal told reporters in Islamabad. He said PM Khan has decided to undergo the test. PM Khan last week met with Edhi Foundation head Faisal Edhi who tested positive for the virus earlier on Tuesday. Edhi has gone into isolation in Islamabad. He had met the prime minister to handRead More
Iranian mission in Afghanistan resumes consular services
KABUL, APR 21 – Iranian Embassy in Kabul announced that it has resumed consular services and visa issuance since April 20. An official in charge of the Iranian mission’s media affairs said decision has been made to issue visa for nationals of neighboring countries with special jobs like drivers, industrialists, businessmen and investors. Visa for land transport will be issued just for truck drivers, he said, adding that businessmen, industrialists and investors will receive visa for flight. Iranian embassy reiterated that visa will be issued if COVID19 test is doneRead More
Govt to take action if virus spreads during Ramazan: PM
ISLAMABAD, APR 21 – Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that if the coronavirus spreads during Ramazan then the government will be forced to take action and close mosques. The prime minister was briefing the media in Islamabad on the pandemic. He said in a free society, people decide as to what is right and what is wrong. PM Khan said his government held meetings with clerics. “The president sat with religious scholars and finalised conditions.” He urged the masses to try and pray at homes. “If [you] are toRead More
Virgin Australia slumps into administration
Virgin Australia has confirmed it has entered voluntary administration – making it Australia’s first big corporate casualty of the coronavirus pandemic. The country’s second-largest carrier cut almost all flights last month following wide-spread travel bans. It was already struggling with a long-term A$5bn (£2.55bn; $3.17bn) debt. The airline is now seeking new buyers and investors, after failing to get a loan from Australia’s government. Virgin Australia chief executive Paul Scurrah said: “Our decision today is about securing the future of the Virgin Australia Group and emerging on the other sideRead More
Sierra Leone president to self-isolate over virus fears
A bodyguard of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has tested positive for coronavirus. The president on Monday night announced that he was in good health despite a staffer testing positive. He also said that all his family members were in good health and none had shown coronavirus symptoms. President Bio will self-quarantine for 14 days because of having contact with the bodyguard, according to BBC’s Umaru Fofana. Sierra Leone has to date confirmed 43 coronavirus cases. The country’s SLBC television channel shared a video of the president’s announcement: