Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports
COVID-19 Pandemic News

Current Operations

• Gunmen Kill 25 At Kabul Sikh Temple; Islamic State Claims Responsibility RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- Militants launched an attack on a Sikh temple in Kabul that left at least 25 people dead before security forces killed the attackers and freed dozens of hostages.
• Afghan Government, Taliban To Discuss Prisoner Release 'Face To Face' RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- Afghan government officials are set to meet with a Taliban delegation in the coming days to discuss an initial release of militant prisoners, Afghanistan's National Security Council says.
• At Least Four Killed, 150 Trapped as Terrorists Enter Sikh Temple in Kabul, Massive Fight Underway Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Preliminary reports suggest that two suicide bombers entered the Sikh temple in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and started to fire indiscriminately. Eyewitness also confirmed a massive explosion inside the house of worship.
• Islamic State Claims Deadly Attack on Afghan Sikh Temple VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- Officials in Afghanistan say heavily armed suicide bombers Wednesday stormed a minority Sikh worship place in Kabul, killing at least 25 worshippers and injuring at least eight others.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Will US aircraft carrier become next Diamond Princess? Global Times 25 Mar 2020 -- Questions have been raised over whether there will be large-scale novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections on a deployed US warship after the US aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt reported three confirmed cases on Tuesday in what is believed to be the first such COVID-19 case on the deployed warship.
• Pentagon warns coronavirus outbreak could last for months in US Press TV 25 Mar 2020 -- The US Defense Department has warned that the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak in the country could continue for months and the American military would continue to support efforts to counter the COVID-19 crisis.
• Two U.S. Destroyers Deploy as U.S. 6th Fleet Remains Vigilant NNS 25 Mar 2020 -- Two forward deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers got underway for regularly scheduled patrols from Rota, Spain in support of regional maritime security, March 22-23.
• F-35 Certification Testing Halted as California Air Base Closes Following COVID-19 Cases Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Testing that could certify Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth fighter for full production has been put on hold as the hosting California air base shuts its gates after detecting its first COVID-19 cases.
• Allied airlift brings urgent medical supplies to the Czech Republic NATO 25 Mar 2020 -- A cargo plane carrying several tons of medical supplies from China, including vital respirators and millions of facemasks, landed at Pardubice airport on Tuesday night (24-25 March 2020) to help combat the coronavirus.
• SU-27 Aircraft Crashes in the Black Sea During Scheduled Flights, Preliminary Data Shows - MoD Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- A rescue team of AN-26 aeroplane and MI-8 helicopter has been sent to find and rescue the pilots, along with a frigate and several civilian ships, the Russian Ministry of Defence said.
• Russia's Nuclear Arsenal to Be 87% Modernized by End of 2020 – Defence Minister Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Earlier this year, the Pentagon estimated that Russia has spent some $28 billion modernizing its nuclear triad. For comparison, the United States is presently in the middle of a 30 year, $1.5 trillion programme to upgrade its own strategic capabilities.
• Russian Pacific Fleet Warships and Vessels Head for Drills in Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Earlier in March, the Russian Pacific Fleet formed two new anti-submarine warfare strike groups, with the vessels to be tasked with helping protect the Russian Far East region's maritime communications, patrolling the areas assigned to them, and taking part in missions abroad.
• Secretary Michael R. Pompeo At a Press Availability US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For March 25, 2020

Other Conflicts

• China Sends Ships, Planes over Disputed Seas to Show Strength after COVID-19 Outbreak VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- China is asserting itself in disputed waters around Asia this month to look strong after containing the world's first coronavirus outbreak as the rest of the world grapples with the disease now.
• UN chief calls for ceasefire as Yemen braces for possible COVID-19 outbreak UN News 25 Mar 2020 -- Echoing his 23 March appeal to warring parties across the globe for an immediate ceasefire, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on those fighting in Yemen to end hostilities and ramp up efforts to counter a potential outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Syrian Army, Civilians Block US Convoy, Force It to Turn Back in Country's Northeast – Reports Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- The standoff is at least the fourth time this month that Syrian troops and angry local residents have forced a US military convoy to retreat from an area of al-Hasakah governorate.
• Third Day of Fighting Rocks Libyan Capital Amid Country's First Coronavirus Case VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- Libyan fighter jets flew over the strategic al-Watiya Airbase near the capital Tripoli, amid conflicting reports over which side now controls the area. Sporadic fighting also continued in the capital Wednesday, as residents reported artillery shells falling in various parts of the city.
• Fresh Fighting Adds 1,000 to Displaced Population in Myanmar's Rakhine Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2020 -- More than 1,000 civilians in Minbya township have been displaced by fighting between Myanmar forces and the rebel Arakan Army in the latest flare-up in a conflict that has raged in Rakhine state for more than a year and uprooted 140,000 people, local villagers said Wednesday.
• Boko Haram militants kill at least 92 Chadian soldiers Press TV 25 Mar 2020 -- Takfiri Boko Haram militants from Nigeria have killed at least 92 Chadian soldiers in an attack on an army base on the border with Chad.

News Reports

• Who will Biden pick as his running mate? NHK 25 Mar 2020 -- In the race for the Democratic presidential nomination to take on Donald Trump in November, former vice president Joe Biden has had decisive wins in three states -- Florida, Illinois and Arizona last Tuesday.
• Address to the Nation President of Russia 25 Mar 2020
• Putin Postpones Vote On Constitutional Changes Due To Coronavirus RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has postponed an April 22 vote on sweeping constitutional changes that could allow him to remain in power until 2036 because of concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.
• Russia's COVID-19 Economic Plan, Vote on Constitution: Key Takeaways From President Putin's Speech Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- President Vladimir Putin spoke in a televised address on Wednesday to apprise Russians of the government's coronavirus response and measures to be adopted to help deal with the pandemic, as travel restrictions, quarantine for those infected with the COVID-19 virus, and vaccine testing are put in place.
• Putin Announces Delay to Constitution Vote, Measures to Aid Economy Amid COVID-19 Spread Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Russia has already enacted a series of measures in its COVID-19 response, including travel restrictions, quarantine for infected individuals, and the allocation of funding to the ministry of industry for the purchase of medical equipment. The country's scientists have also begun testing on coronavirus vaccines after sequencing COVID-19's genome.
• CPJ Calls On Russia To Stop Censoring News Outlets Reporting On COVID-19 RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Russian authorities "to stop censoring news outlets" that report on the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
• Contagious Solidarity: As Russia Faces Growing COVID-19 Crisis, Independent Activists Gear Up To Help RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- Aleksandra Krylenkova is a human rights activist with a long track record. In recent months, she has been campaigning in support of the defendants in the so-called Network (Set) case, a terrorism prosecution that many believe was trumped up by the Federal Security Service. She has also publicized alleged human rights abuses in Ukraine's Crimea region, which was seized by Russia in 2014.
• London Court Refuses Defence Plea to Release Assange from Prison Amid Coronavirus Concerns Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Assange's defence team earlier applied for bail over concerns for their client's health in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on March 25, 2020 PRC MofA 25 Mar 2020
• Pandemic Diplomacy: China Leaps Into Global Breach As Coronavirus Sparks Shortages RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- You could call it "pandemic diplomacy." Barely a month from its peak COVID-19 infection rate and price gouging on medical gear at home, China and its proxies are now shipping such equipment abroad by the planeload.
• Xi said China ready to boost global coordination, confidence against COVID-19 Global Times 25 Mar 2020 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that China is ready to work with all other parties to step up coordination against COVID-19 and shore up confidence in the international community.
• Foreign politicians thank China for support amid epidemic People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- Leaders of many countries and international organizations have publicly thanked China for its assistance in the battle against the novel coronavirus.
• China committed to helping Sierra Leone prevent COVID-19 People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Hu Zhangliang, has pledged his country's commitment to supporting Sierra Leone's efforts to prevent the coronavirus (COVID-19). Addressing members of Sierra Leone's Parliamentary Press Gallery in Freetown, the Chinese ambassador described the fight against the virus as a great battle that involves a huge financial cost, one that China is going through at the moment not only to protect its people but to safeguard global health security.
• Press Freedom in China Could Have Averted Pandemic: Report Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2020 -- The coronavirus epidemic may never have gone pandemic if journalists had been allowed to do their jobs rather than adhering to ruling Chinese Communist Party propaganda directives, a Paris-based press freedom group said on Wednesday.
• Release of Arbitrarily Detained Civilians and U.S. Citizens in Syria to Avert COVID-19 Spread US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2020 -- "In light of threats posed by COVID-19, the United States reiterates its calls for the Assad regime to take concrete steps to protect the fate of thousands of civilians, including U.S. citizens, being held arbitrarily in overcrowded and inhumane conditions in regime detention centers."
• Turkey charges 20 Saudis over 2018 Khashoggi murder Press TV 25 Mar 2020 -- Turkish prosecutors have charged 20 Saudi nationals, including two former senior aides to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, over the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.
• Turkey Indicts Saudi Nationals in Khashoggi Murder, Demands Life Sentences - Reports Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- The Daily Sabah newspaper reported, citing Istanbul's Chief Public Prosecutor Irfan Fidan, that the investigation into Khashoggi's death had been completed.
• Ukrainian Cabinet Submits IMF-Required Bill On Banks To Parliament RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers has submitted to parliament a revised bill on banking regulations needed to meet requirements set by the International Monetary Fund for a new lending package as the country's feeble economy braces for the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
• Kosovo's Parliament Topples Government In No-Confidence Vote RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- Kosovo's parliament has toppled the country's government in a no-confidence vote, throwing the Western Balkan nation into political turmoil even as it struggles along with the rest of the world to battle the coronavirus epidemic.
• Debt relief milestone in Somalia, as World Bank, IMF, call for global payment suspension in light of COVID-19 UN News 25 Mar 2020 -- The top United Nations official in Somalia congratulated the Horn of Africa nation on Wednesday for achieving the benchmark set by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), confirming its eligibility for debt relief.

COVID-19 Pandemic News

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation report - 65 WHO 25 March 2020
• WHO Emergencies Press Conference on coronavirus disease outbreak - 25 March 2020 WHO
• President Donald J. Trump Approves Texas Disaster Declaration The White House 25 Mar 2020
• President Donald J. Trump Approves Florida Disaster Declaration The White House 25 Mar 2020
• Remarks by President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Members of the Coronavirus Task Force in Press Briefing The White House 25 Mar 2020
• Briefing On COVID-19: Updates on Health Impact and Assistance for American Citizens Abroad US Dept. of State 25 Mar 2020
• Department of Defense Acquisition and Sustainment Leaders Hold a Press Briefing on the Defense Department's COVID-19 Acquisition Efforts DoD 25 Mar 2020 -- Ellen M. Lord, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; Jennifer Santos, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy; Kim Herrington, Director of Pricing and Contracting
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Deputy Assistant to the Secretary for Media Affairs Farah and Joint Staff Surgeon Brigadier General Friedrichs DoD 25 Mar 2020 -- Alyssa Farah, Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Media Affairs; Air Force Brigadier General Paul Friedrichs, Joint Staff Surgeon for the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• First Case of COVID-19 at the Pentagon DoD 25 Mar 2020 -- A U.S. Marine stationed at the Pentagon tested positive for COVID-19 on March 24.
• DOD Establishes Task Force to Meet U.S. Medical Equipment Needs DoD News 25 Mar 2020 -- The Defense Department has established a joint task force to deal with daily requests the department is receiving for medical and personal protective equipment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security, and others.
• DOD Modeling for Coronavirus Helps With Response Planning DoD News 25 Mar 2020 -- Though Defense Department modeling of the COVID-19 virus isn't quite robust enough yet to determine where the next outbreak will happen, the modeling is good enough now for general planning efforts, the Joint Staff surgeon said.
• Pompeo: G7 Nations Deeply Aware of China's 'Disinformation Campaign' on Coronavirus Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- The US Secretary of State previously slammed China for providing 'imperfect coronavirus data' and expressed his frustration about the difficulty of obtaining from Beijing the information necessary to develop vaccines.
• Navy Officials Announce 3 COVID-19 Cases Aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt DoD News 25 Mar 2020 -- Three sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt underway in the Pacific Ocean were diagnosed with COVID-19 and were evacuated from the ship, Acting Navy Secretary Thomas B. Modly said.
• Mixed messages hinder US federal coronavirus response People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- With the US now dealing with more than 55,000 infections and 790 deaths from the coronavirus outbreak, mixed messages from the government regarding the threat from the disease continue to create uncertainty and panic among the public.
• U.S. Washington governor announces statewide stay-home order People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- The U.S. state of Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Monday night announced a statewide order that requires residents to stay home and close down all non-essential businesses due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.
• U.S. confirmed COVID-19 cases top 50,000: Johns Hopkins University People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States topped 50,000 as of 3 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday (1900 GMT), according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.
• Trump secretly seeks Asian, European allies' medical help amid coronavirus spread Press TV 25 Mar 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has privately asked some of the US allies in Europe and Asia, including South Korea, to help the country overcome the shortages caused by coronavirus spread.
• US COVID-19 cases surge tenfold in a week to 50,000 Press TV 25 Mar 2020 -- The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US has surged tenfold in a week to over 50,000, but the number of actual cases in the country is likely significantly higher, officials have acknowledged.
• Trump Administration Quietly Appealing to Allies in Asia, Europe Amid Coronavirus Scare – Reports Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- With COVID-19 cases surging tenfold over the last week, the United States is on course to becoming one of the nations most heavily afflicted by the pandemic. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization warned that with its 55,000+ cases, the US has the potential to be the virus's next epicenter.
• UN launches major humanitarian appeal to keep COVID-19 from 'circling back around the globe' UN News 25 Mar 2020 -- To confront the unprecedented worldwide challenge posed by the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, top UN officials on Wednesday, launched a massive humanitarian appeal to mitigate its impact, particularly on fragile countries with weak health systems.
• UN Launches $2 Billion COVID Humanitarian Appeal VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed Wednesday for $2 billion to help the world's most vulnerable nations cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
• UN Launches $2Bln Global Appeal to Support Poorest Countries Amid Pandemic - Guterres Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- The United Nations has launched a $2-billion plan to help the world's most vulnerable countries respond to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and advert humanitarian catastrophes, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced on Wednesday.
• US government's China bashing a cover-up for virus failures Global Times 25 Mar 2020 -- The New York-based Daily Beast newspaper reported Saturday that the White House is "launching a communications plan across multiple federal agencies," asking officials to stick closely to talking points which focus on accusing China of "creating a global pandemic."
• Pandemic Diplomacy: China Leaps Into Global Breach As Coronavirus Sparks Shortages RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- You could call it "pandemic diplomacy." Barely a month from its peak COVID-19 infection rate and price gouging on medical gear at home, China and its proxies are now shipping such equipment abroad by the planeload.
• Xi said China ready to boost global coordination, confidence against COVID-19 Global Times 25 Mar 2020 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that China is ready to work with all other parties to step up coordination against COVID-19 and shore up confidence in the international community.
• Foreign politicians thank China for support amid epidemic People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- Leaders of many countries and international organizations have publicly thanked China for its assistance in the battle against the novel coronavirus.
• Press Freedom in China Could Have Averted Pandemic: Report Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2020 -- The coronavirus epidemic may never have gone pandemic if journalists had been allowed to do their jobs rather than adhering to ruling Chinese Communist Party propaganda directives, a Paris-based press freedom group said on Wednesday.
• China committed to helping Sierra Leone prevent COVID-19 People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Hu Zhangliang, has pledged his country's commitment to supporting Sierra Leone's efforts to prevent the coronavirus (COVID-19). Addressing members of Sierra Leone's Parliamentary Press Gallery in Freetown, the Chinese ambassador described the fight against the virus as a great battle that involves a huge financial cost, one that China is going through at the moment not only to protect its people but to safeguard global health security.
• Travel ban in Hubei, Wuhan eased to restore normal life Global Times 25 Mar 2020 -- After two months of complete isolation of Central China's Hubei Province, especially its capital Wuhan, authorities announced on Tuesday to lift outbound travel restrictions on cities excluding Wuhan beginning Wednesday and to end the lockdown of one of the most virus-stricken cities on April 8, signaling that the domestic battle against the deadly coronavirus will score victory.
• Diverting capital's flights 'key to deter second outbreak' Global Times 25 Mar 2020 -- Diverting international flights bound for Beijing to 12 other airports to guard the capital city against imported COVID-19 cases is a reasonable move and key part of the national virus prevention strategy, which is essential to avoid a second outbreak, experts say.
• Beijing raises number of 'high-risk' countries and regions to 25 Global Times 25 Mar 2020 -- Beijing raised the number of countries and regions considered to be at high risk of imported COVID-19 infection to 25, including the US and Italy and newly listed Australia, Singapore, Japan and China's Hong Kong, as China's capital now takes preventing and controlling the imported cases as a priority.
• Infection by imported cases spurs tightening Global Times 25 Mar 2020 -- The emergence of domestic COVID-19 patients in China who were infected by people returning from overseas has promoted public calls to give all international arrivals mandatory 14-day quarantine terms in designated sites, as the current policy of allowing them to take home quarantine has shown apparent deficiencies.
• China sends third group of medical experts to Italy Global Times 25 Mar 2020 -- A team of 14 medical experts from east China's Fujian Province departed on a chartered flight to Italy on Wednesday morning to aid the European country's fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.
• China must not relax epidemic control as flow of people increases: official People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- China should stick to strict measures on epidemic prevention and control as the country resumes work and production and the flow of people increases, a health official warned Wednesday.
• Beijing reports two imported COVID-19 cases in 12 hours People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- Beijing reported two new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from Canada and France, respectively, over the past 12 hours by Wednesday noon, according to the municipal health commission.
• Shanghai reports 19 new imported COVID-19 cases People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- Shanghai reported 19 new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Tuesday, bringing the total number of imported cases in the city to 94, the local health commission said Wednesday.
• Beijing reports 5 new imported COVID-19 cases People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- Beijing reported five new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from other countries Tuesday, the municipal health commission said Wednesday.
• China's Wuhan reports zero increase in COVID-19 cases People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- No new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported Tuesday in Wuhan, the former hardest-hit city in central China's Hubei Province.
• Chinese mainland reports zero increase in domestic COVID-19 cases People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- Chinese health authority Wednesday said that no new domestically transmitted cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported on the Chinese mainland on Tuesday.
• 11 million face masks to be distributed free to Iranians: Minister IRNA 25 Mar 2020 -- Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Reza Rahmani on Wednesday said that over 11 million face masks are to be distributed free to Iranians in the coming days.
• Coronavirus death toll reaches 2,077 in Iran; 9,525 recover IRNA 25 Mar 2020 -- The head of Iran's Health Ministry Public Relations Office said on Wednesday that 9,625 people out of a total of 27,017 infected by the coronavirus have survived the deadly disease while 2,077 have lost their lives to it.
• Comdr: Iranian Army well-prepared to thwart any threat IRNA 25 Mar 2020 -- Senior Commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army in charge of expeditionary coordination Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said Iranian Army is well-prepared to thwart any threat thanks to combat capability.
• Iran tightens protective measures, introduces travel bans to rein in virus spread Press TV 25 Mar 2020 -- Stepping up its fight against the new coronavirus outbreak, Iran has begun banning people from leaving their cities and requiring those who are already on Persian New Year trips to return to their hometowns at the earliest opportunity.
• GOM reviews current status, and actions for management of COVID-19 India PIB 25 Mar 2020 -- Dr. Harsh Vardhan highlights critical importance of social distancing, home quarantine protocols & supporting Doctors/Medical staff combating COVID-19
• Dharamsala on Lockdown as Tibetan Man Dies of COVID-19 in India Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2020 -- A Tibetan man living in India died this week of coronavirus shortly after returning from a visit to the U.S. and was quickly cremated, with his wife and other persons he had recently been contact with now held in medical isolation, Indian health officials said.
• India may have higher number of unreported COVID-19 infections Global Times 25 Mar 2020 -- India, the world's second most populous country, may have a large number of unreported COVID-19 infections, as more than 1.3 billion people undergo three weeks of unprecedented lockdown from today, Chinese analysts said on Wednesday.
• 1.3 Bln Indians Enter Day 1 of National Lockdown at Dawn of Hindu, Kashmiri, Marathi New Year Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- In India, the Hindu calendar, which is based on the position of planets and constellations - determines the time of traditional festivals every year, which are otherwise not marked in the popular Gregorian date-chart. One such planetary alignment marks the beginning of the year in several parts of the country.
• Taiwan confirms 19 more cases of COVID-19, total at 235 CNA 25 Mar 2020 -- Taiwan confirmed 19 new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Wednesday, bringing the total to 235 in the country since the pandemic began, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said.
• Taiwan expands screening to curb COVID-19 pandemic CNA 25 Mar 2020 -- Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) on Wednesday announced that it will expand the scope of its COVID-19 coronavirus screening tests to medical and healthcare workers with suspected infection symptoms in order to prevent possible cluster infections in the nation's healthcare system.
• CECC advises against large gatherings CNA 25 Mar 2020 -- Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) on Wednesday recommended the cancellation of mass gatherings of more than 100 people indoors and 500 people outdoors to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
• CECC mulls disclosing more information on certain COVID-19 cases CNA 25 Mar 2020 -- The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Wednesday it will consider releasing more information on people infected with the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) where their occupation creates a public interest to do so.
• Local governments increase policing, fines for home quarantine CNA 25 Mar 2020 -- Taipei and New Taipei cities said Wednesday that they are stepping up enforcement of home quarantine regulations, amid a number of recent cases in which quarantined individuals have been caught defying government orders to stay at home.
• Taiwan laments WHO's inaction on its alert on coronavirus CNA 25 Mar 2020 -- Taiwan's government has confirmed a media report saying the World Health Organization (WHO) failed to pass on its warning at the end of December about possible human-to-human transmission of the novel coronavirus to other countries.
• Moscow Bans Gatherings, Closes Most Shops to Curb Coronavirus SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- The Mayor of Moscow clarified that the city introduced a group of measures today to contain the spread of novel Coronavirus (COVId-19), including a temporary ban on organizing any public gatherings and suspension of free public transport for the over 65s.
• Two Elderly Russians Die of COVID-19-Related Complications - Coronavirus Response HQ Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Russia has reported over 650 cases of COVID-19, with the state introducing a series of measures to battle the virus.
• Trudeau urges parliament to pass emergency bill against COVID-19 quickly People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged the Canadian parliament to pass emergency legislation against the COVID-19 pandemic for Canadians and businesses.
• Canada's Senate Approves Controversial COVID-19 Spending Bill - Statement Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- Canada's Senate has passed the $56-billion economic support package announced last week by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the upper legislative chamber said in a statement on Wednesday.
• COVID-19 cases top 200,000 in Europe as daily numbers rebound in Italy People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- The coronavirus continued to sweep across Europe, with the combined number of confirmed cases on the continent exceeding 200,000 as of Tuesday evening, accounting for half of known cases worldwide.
• COVID-19 death toll continues to surge in Europe Press TV 25 Mar 2020 -- The number of people infected or killed by the novel coronavirus is still surging in Europe, despite earlier hopes that Italy might be turning the corner.
• EU Council Calls for Europe-Wide Crisis Management Centre Amid COVID-19 - Reports Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- EU heads of state and government have called for the establishment of a Europe-wide crisis management centre in the light of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic, according to a draft statement of the European Council seen by Euroactiv.
• Confirmed COVID-19 cases exceed 8,000 on first day of UK lockdown People's Daily 25 Mar 2020 -- The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Britain reached 8,077 as of Tuesday morning, according to the lastest figure from the Department of Health and Social Care.
• Britain Builds 4,000-Bed Hospital to Combat COVID-19 SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- The British authorities decided to build a new hospital in the "Excel" Exhibition Center in London, with a capacity of 4,000 beds in order to receive and treat the dangerous cases of COVID-19 infection patients.
• Spain Surpasses China in Number of Coronavirus Deaths With 738 New Fatalities Reported in One Day Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- As the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic spreads throughout Europe and existing infrastructure and services become strained by the disease, death rates are quickly beginning to rise.
• Spain's COVID-19 Death Toll Surpasses China VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- Spain now has more coronavirus deaths than any country except Italy, after adding 738 fatalities on Wednesday.
• Committee Concerned with Following up COVID-19 Urges All to Stay Home Except in Cases of Necessity SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- The committee concerned with following up the health situation of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) affirmed the importance of continuation of applying and enhancing all precautionary measures in all entry ports as well as all precautionary measures to contain this virus. The committee hailed the society's interaction with the curfew order, calling on them to stay at home except in cases of necessity during the unlimited period.
• Saudi Press: Saudi Arabia Continues Efforts to Combat Coronavirus SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional and international arenas.
• Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques approves taking further precautions to limit the spread of novel Coronavirus SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- Based on the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the health and safety of citizens and residents, and based on what relevant authorities have presented on the need for further precautionary measures to limit the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the King has approved taking the following measures:
• One Italian Official Describes How Coronavirus Might Have Spread VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- A provincial official in Italy says a soccer game and a missed opportunity to detect one early coronavirus case might have contributed to the rapid spread of the disease in his hard-hit country.
• New lockdowns, emergency states & deaths: Coronavirus keeps impacting lives Press TV 25 Mar 2020 -- Around the globe, the outbreak of the new coronavirus continues to impact the lives of people, forcing governments to take measures unprecedented in peacetime.
• Cambodia's PM Hun Sen Hints at State of Emergency as Coronavirus Cases Trend up Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2020 -- Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday said he is considering requesting that King Norodom Sihamoni declare a state of emergency as the number of infections from the coronavirus neared 100 in his country.
• COVID-19: Armenian, Moldovan, Romanian Police Enforce National Lockdowns RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus has passed 20,000 with more than 450,000 infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
• 'Chaos In Stores': Turkmen Food Prices Skyrocket Amid 'Antivirus' Measures RFE/RL 25 Mar 2020 -- Food prices have reached record highs in the Turkmen capital in recent days as the government has restricted entry into Ashgabat amid apparent government efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
• Egypt Reports 40 Coronavirus Cases SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- Egyptian Minister of Health and Population Dr. Hala Zayed has announced that 40 new cases of Coronavirus were reported today, bringing the number of cases to 442, while the recovered cases reached 93.
• UAE Announces 85 New Cases of Coronavirus, 7 Recoveries SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- The United Arab Emirates announced today 85 new cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) from different nationalities, including 7 UAE nationals.
• Coronavirus Cases Rise to 40 in Rwanda SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- Health authorities in Rwanda announced today that the total number of confirmed cases of the new Coronavirus reached 40 cases, after reporting 3 new cases yesterday.
• Coronavirus Cases Rise to 346 in Iraq SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- Iraq reported 30 new cases of Coronavirus during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 346 in Iraq.
• Kenya Announces 9 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- Kenyan Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced that 9 new cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) are recorded, bringing the total number of cases to 25 in Kenya.
• Oman: 15 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- The Omani Ministry of Health has reported 15 new cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the number of infections in the country to 99.
• Kuwait Reports Four New Recoveries from Coronavirus SPA 25 Mar 2020 -- Kuwaiti Minister of Health Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah announced today the full recovery of four additional individuals from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of recovered cases in the country to 43.
• Syria Registers Four New COVID-19 Cases, Introduces 12 Hour Curfew Across Country – Photos, Video Sputnik 25 Mar 2020 -- The war-torn, sanctions-hit nation registered its first new coronavirus case on March 22, with the UN warning that the country's overstretched health care sector may not be prepared to deal with a major outbreak.
• Worries Grow in Yemen About the Impact Coronavirus Could Have VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- Yemen's brutal civil war has entered its fifth year with no serious prospects for its end and concerns over what could happen should there be a coronavirus outbreak. While COVID-19 has not been detected in Yemen, one humanitarian group says it has been unable to delivery aid where authorities have imposed strict measures to halt the spread of the virus.
• Israel Restricts Movement Amid Coronavirus Spread VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- Israel has announced new, stricter limits on movement to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the country. The move comes Israel remains locked in a political impasse that has led to the parliament speaker's resignation.
• Pakistani Clerics Insist on Keeping Mosques Open VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- Several of Pakistan's senior religious leaders announced Wednesday that they will keep mosques open for group prayers, on a day when the country's confirmed cases of COVID-19 crossed the 1,000 mark, and most of the country is under a lockdown.
• Palestinian Enclave Faces 'Terrifying' Virus Scenario VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- For a few short weeks, the people of Gaza had hoped that 13 years of tightly sealed borders with Israel and Egypt might somehow prevent the spread of COVID-19 into this Palestinian enclave of 2 million people.
• East Asian Countries Fight 2nd Coronavirus Wave VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- Returnees from Western countries are bringing a new wave of coronavirus cases to parts of Asia such as Hong Kong and Taiwan just as health authorities there were getting their outbreaks under control.
• Istanbul Battles Coronavirus Behind Closed Doors VOA 25 Mar 2020 -- Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, is at the center of the country's efforts to control the spread of COVID-19. Authorities are ramping up restrictions, as the number of infections increase.
• Unemployed Southeast Asian Migrants in Thailand Struggle as COVID-19 Shuts Down Economy Radio Free Asia 25 Mar 2020 -- As Thailand's economy shuts down due to government efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus, migrant workers from neighboring Southeast Asian countries Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos have found themselves suddenly unemployed and scrambling to go home.