Other Security News
COVID-19 Pandemic News

Other Security News

• UN Warns Right-Wing Extremist Groups Getting Bolder, More Lethal VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- Nations around the world are growing increasingly worried about violence linked to extreme right-wing terror groups, with new research showing there has been a 320% jump in the number of related attacks over the past five years.
• US Deploying Hundreds More to Border Amid COVID-19 Outbreak VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- The U.S. military is deploying hundreds more troops to the country's southern border amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to protect the nation from potentially infected migrants, according to the commander of U.S. Northern Command.
• US Launches Counter-Narcotics Operations to Halt Flow of Illicit Drugs Amid Pandemic Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- US Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced on Wednesday that the US was beginning "enhanced counter-narcotics operations" in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, saying "many criminal organizations are attempting to capitalize" on the COVID-19 crisis.
• Large Cache of Illegal Drugs Seized in Tunnel Stretching Across US-Mexico Border VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- U.S. federal agents seized a large cache of drugs from a long tunnel used by smugglers to move them across the U.S.-Mexico border.

COVID-19 Pandemic News

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation report - 72 WHO 01 Apr 2020
• WHO Emergencies Press Conference on coronavirus disease outbreak - 1 April 2020 WHO 01 Apr 2020
• WHO concerned over rapid escalation in COVID-19 spread as caseload approaches one million UN News 01 Apr 2020 -- Deaths from COVID-19 have more than doubled in the past week and will soon reach 50,000 worldwide, while the global caseload is heading towards one million, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) told journalists on Wednesday.
• COVID-19: International community must step up to prevent pandemic from devastating vulnerable on the run UN News 01 Apr 2020 -- Given how quickly the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading, an outbreak is "looking imminent" in the world's refugee camps, crowded reception centres or detention facilities where migrant families are sheltering, the Executive Director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday.
• COVID-19 cases exceed 800,000 worldwide People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- The number of COVID-19 cases worldwide has exceeded 800,000, according to the latest data from Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE).
• Latest updates: COVID-19 kills 42,000 globally in worst crisis since WWII Press TV 01 Apr 2020 -- The coronavirus pandemic has now claimed the lives of 42,151 people and infected 858,875 others worldwide, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
• World Health Organization Says Global COVID-19 Infection Rate to Top 1 Mln in Coming Days Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- Over 905,000 cases of the new coronavirus have been reported in 180 countries and regions worldwide, with over 45,000 people succumbing to virus-related complications, and 190,000+ others seeing a complete recovery.
• UN chief views COVID-19 as most challenging crisis since WWII People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday said that the COVID-19 pandemic is the most challenging crisis since the Second World War as it represents a threat to everybody.
• Coronavirus is the World's 'Greatest Test' Since World War II - UN Chief Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- The long-term impact of the coronavirus is being challenged as business activity has been forced to grind despite emergency stimulus packages. The United Nations and WHO are stressing the importance of international cooperation in order to combat the outbreak.
• UN Chief: Coronavirus Is Biggest Global Crisis Since WWII VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the coronavirus pandemic is the most challenging global crisis since World War II.

United States

• U.S. Purchase of Needed Supplies From Russia US Dept. of State 01 Apr 2020 -- The United States is committed to the global fight against COVID-19. We are a generous and reliable contributor to crisis response and humanitarian action across the world, but we cannot do it alone.
• Remarks by President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Members of the Coronavirus Task Force in Press Briefing The White House 01 Apr 2020
• President Donald J. Trump Approves Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Disaster Declaration The White House 01 Apr 2020
• Briefing With Dr. William Walters, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Operations, Bureau of Medical Services; Dr. Charles Rosenfarb, Special Coordinator, Coronavirus Global Response Coordination Unit (CGRCU); And Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Ian Brownlee, Bureau of Consular Affairs On COVID-19: Updates on Health Impact and Assistance for American Citizens Abroad US Dept. of State 01 Apr 2020`
• Despite Crisis at Home, US Provides Foreign Coronavirus Aid VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- As the COVID-19 outbreak grows in the United States, officials say they are mobilizing unprecedented resources to help Americans at home, while also continuing to provide health and humanitarian assistance to other countries struggling with the pandemic.
• Most Coronavirus Deaths in US Projected to Occur in Next Few Weeks VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- The United States should be prepared to endure 100,000 to 240,000 deaths from the #COVID-19 coronavirus over the next two months even if Americans continue to keep their distance from each other.
• Remarks by President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Members of the Coronavirus Task Force in Press Briefing The White House 01 Apr 2020
• President Donald J. Trump Approves North Dakota Disaster Declaration The White House 01 Apr 2020
• President Donald J. Trump Approves Hawaii Disaster Declaration The White House 01 Apr 2020
• General Compares DOD's COVID-19 Response to All-Out War DoD News 01 Apr 2020 -- The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is an all-out war that's being approached as a large-scale military campaign, the commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command said.
• Comfort Treats First Patients in New York NNS 01 Apr 2020 -- The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) treated its first patients Apr. 1 in support of the nation's COVID-19 response efforts.
• Corps of Engineers Converts NYC's Javits Center Into Hospital DoD News 01 Apr 2020 -- The New York District of the Army Corps of Engineers has completed its conversion of the 1,800,000-square-foot Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City into an alternate care facility for more than 2,000 non-COVID-19 patients.
• Models show coronavirus could claim 100,000 lives in U.S even with containment efforts: experts People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- Health experts on the White House Coronavirus Task Force said Tuesday that even with the Trump administration's national social distancing guidelines in place, Americans still should be prepared for the prospect of the coronavirus causing 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the country.
• Trump urges Florida to allow cruise ships with COVID-19 outbreak to dock Press TV 01 Apr 2020 -- US President Donald Trump is urging the governor of Florida to open a port to two Dutch cruise ships stuck off the Pacific coast of Central America with a deadly coronavirus outbreak onboard.
• US Coronavirus Death Toll May Total From 100,000 to 2.2 Million People - White House Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) death toll in the United States may range from 100,000 people in the good and up to 2.2 million people in the worst-case scenario, according to expert materials released on Tuesday by the White House.
• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 01 Apr 2020 -- In an effort to minimize the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 and to prioritize the health and safety of Department of the Air Force personnel, the following modifications have been made:
• New York Governor Says State Could See 16,000 Coronavirus Deaths VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- New York state governor said Wednesday the state could see as many as 16,000 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic.
• Guam to quarantine US forces in hotel rooms amid covid-19 spread Press TV 01 Apr 2020 -- The US island territory of Guam says it will provide American forces onboard an aircraft carrier battling a covid-19 outbreak with hotel rooms to quarantine as Washington scrambles with the coronavirus pandemic.
• Top Navy Official Provides Update on Aircraft Carrier COVID-19 Cases DoD News 01 Apr 2020 -- Numerous sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, and the Navy continues to support its subordinate commanders to protect sailors and Marines so they can protect the homeland and maintain their readiness to the best of their ability, Acting Navy Secretary Thomas B. Modly said.
• US Navy Evacuates Hundreds From Aircraft Carrier After Virus Outbreak - Secretary Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- US Navy began evacuating hundreds of sailors from its coronavirus-hit Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier, but will keep aboard enough personnel to maintain the nuclear-powered ship's safety, Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly told reporters on Wednesday.
• 'We are Not at War!' Captain of Coronavirus-Stricken US Navy Vessel Calls for Urgent Rescue Measures Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- After docking at the Vietnamese port of Da Nang, during which the crew went ashore and interacted with locals, the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt pulled into Guam last week amid reports of several cases of COVID-19 registered among the crew.
• Captain Who Raised Alarm on COVID-19-Infected Carrier Could Face Punishment - US Navy Secretary Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- Earlier this week, the captain of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, which has reported dozens of COVID-19 cases while at sea, wrote a scathing letter to US Navy leaders demanding support in quarantining his crew. Now, the acting Navy secretary has said he might face a reprimand for it.
• US sailors will die unless virus-hit aircraft carrier evacuated: Captain Press TV 01 Apr 2020 -- American sailors aboard a US aircraft carrier will die unless the coronaviru-hit vessel is evacuated, the ship's captain warns.
• Goldfein says Air Force remains fully capable despite operational adjustments for coronavirus US Air Force 01 Apr 2020 -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein said April 1 that the Air Force is constantly assessing and adjusting practices to protect Airmen and families from the coronavirus pandemic while also ensuring that all operations continue worldwide.
• Rush Transcript: Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Cuomo Announces Regeneron is Creating 500,000 Test Kits for State at No Charge New York State 01 Apr 2020
• State Officials Announce Latest COVID-19 Facts California Department of Public Health 01 Apr 2020

Europe

• EU Monitor: Russia, China Sow Distrust In West Through Coronavirus Disinformation RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- Russia and China continue to deploy a campaign of disinformation around the coronavirus outbreak that could have "harmful consequences" for public health around the world, according to a report published by the EU's foreign-policy arm.
• France Reports 502 New Deaths of Coronavirus SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- France reported today 502 new deaths of the Coronavirus in the hospitals during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths to 4,032.
• Italy Reports 4782 New Cases of Coronavirus and 727 Deaths SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- Italy reported today 4,782 new cases of the Coronavirus, bringing the total cases in the country to 110,574 cases.
• Netherlands: 1,019 Cases, 134 Deaths of COVID-19 SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- Netherlands reported today 1,019 cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number to 13,614.
• UK Announces 563 COVID-19 Deaths SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- The UK health authorities reported today 563 new deaths from the Coronavirus during the past 24 hours.
• Spain: 7,719 New Coronavirus Cases, 864 Deaths SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- Spanish Ministry of Health has reported 7,719 confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and 864 deaths during the past 24 hours.
• COVID-19: UK Announces Record-Breaking 563 Deaths and 4,324 Cases in 24 Hours Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- There was confusion surrounding the data after Kings College Hospital in London recorded three times as many coronavirus cases compared to the government figures, published by Britain's Department of Health.
• Row Over Duelling England and Wales Test Purchases Sparks Crisis Meeting Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- After an emergency meeting, all four of the UK's devolved governments agreed to cooperate on the purchase of Coronavirus tests, with the system coordinated centrally - but fears England may still get priority persist.

China

• British, Other Western Leaders Talk of Coronavirus 'Reckoning' With Beijing VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- The coronavirus pandemic may prompt Britain to abandon an already contentious deal with the Chinese telecom giant Huawei – retaliation, officials say, for the spread of disinformation by Beijing about the origins of the virus and for its evasiveness about the scale and infectiousness of the disease.
• Trump Ally Accuses WHO of 'Spreading Chinese Propaganda' as Beijing Blasts West's Cover-Up Claims Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- China has dismissed as 'nonsense' recent media reports about its alleged attempts to cover up the true scale of fatalities in Hubei – the province where the COVID-19 outbreak began late last year.
• Classified White House Intel Briefing Claims China Underreported COVID-19 Lethality – Report Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- US and Chinese officials began hurling accusations at one another over the genesis of the new coronavirus last month, with Western media and some officials now accusing the People's Republic of attempting to "cover up" the pandemic. China has rejected the suggestion, accusing the US and its allies of spouting "utter nonsense."
• China Releases Data on Asymptomatic Coronavirus Cases VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- China's National Health Commission (NHC) announced Wednesday it has more than 1,300 asymptomatic coronavirus cases, the first time it has acknowledged cases of people testing positive for the virus but not showing symptoms.
• Uyghur Health Workers Forced to Treat Virus Patients in Xinjiang's Makeshift Quarantine Centers Radio Free Asia 01 Apr 2020 -- Uyghur health workers from throughout one prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) are being forced to live in hotels in Ghulja (in Chinese, Yining) city set up as quarantine centers to treat patients infected with the coronavirus, according to sources.
• Shanghai reports zero asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, vows to continue exercising strict caution Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- Shanghai has zero asymptomatic COVID-19 infection cases under medical observation as of Wednesday, Shanghai Health Commission said Wednesday.
• Wuhan reports first imported case, a student returning from UK Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- The Wuhan health authority on Wednesday announced the first imported case of COVID-19, a 16-year-old student returning from the UK, who was counted as a confirmed case on Tuesday after testing positive for the virus and showing symptoms.
• 186 COVID-19 patients discharged from hospital on Chinese mainland Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- A total of 186 patients of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were discharged from the hospital Tuesday on the Chinese mainland, according to the National Health Commission.
• Imported symptom-free cases pose transmission risk Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- The Chinese mainland reported 130 new cases of people with no symptoms but tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday, with two of them starting to show symptoms later on and confirmed of the virus infection, the Chinese National Health Commission (NHC) said on Wednesday, the first day the country started to update information on the number of asymptomatic carriers on a daily basis.
• Shanghai reports one new death, as total fatalities reach 6 Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- Shanghai reported one new COVID-19 death, on Tuesday, as total fatalities in the city reached six, announced the Shanghai Health Commission on Wednesday.
• War against silent carriers starts Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- Officials from the National Health Commission (NHC) announced on Tuesday that starting from Wednesday, China will publish details regarding asymptomatic COVID-19 patients on a daily basis in a swift policy adjustment in response to growing concerns that these patients may likely trigger a second outbreak in China.
• Scientists slam smear on China's virus data Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- Western politicians and media stirred up a new round of attacks on China's virus prevention effort: questioning its data transparency, which scientists criticized as "cannot be taken at face value scientifically."
• Political attacks on Chinese medical supplies take toll on exports Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- Strained global supplies of desperately needed medical products, from masks to test kits to ventilators, are coming under further pressure, as Chinese factories, the biggest source, must navigate complex and fast-changing domestic and foreign regulations amid what some insiders call "exaggerated and politicized 'quality concerns'" over Chinese-made products.
• Chinese virologists urge longer isolation for discharged COVID-19 patients retesting positive Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- New research shows that young and mild COVID-19 patients appear to be retested positive after being discharged and they show no obvious clinical symptom and disease progression upon re-admission. Some virologists called for prolonged isolation and detailed observation for discharged patients while using high-sensitive detection kits as much as possible.
• Chinese ambassador refutes doubts about coronavirus death toll Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- Approximately 10,000 people died in Wuhan in the past two months because of other reasons, plus more than 2,000 victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, which explains clearly why there was a long line in front of funeral homes in the city after they reopened on March 23, Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye told the French media.
• 1,541 asymptomatic cases under observation People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- China has 1,541 people with asymptomatic novel coronavirus infections under medical observation as of Monday, including 205 from overseas, the National Health Commission said on Tuesday.
• Over one-third of existing COVID-19 cases on Chinese mainland serious or critical: official People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- Over one-third of all the existing domestic COVID-19 cases in the Chinese mainland are in serious or critical conditions, the National Health Commission (NHC) said Wednesday.
• China's Wuhan reports one imported COVID-19 case People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- The central Chinese city of Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province hard hit by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), reported Tuesday a new COVID-19 case, local health authorities said Wednesday.
• Chinese mainland reports 36 new confirmed COVID-19 cases People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- Chinese health authority said Wednesday it received reports of 36 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Chinese mainland on Tuesday, of which 35 were imported.
• China's Wuhan reports one imported COVID-19 case People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- The central Chinese city of Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province hard hit by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), reported Tuesday a new COVID-19 case, local health authorities said Wednesday.
• China moves to ensure quality of medical supply exports People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- China has taken new measures to ensure the quality of medical supplies exports amid the global fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), authorities said.
• Chinese mainland reports 35 new imported COVID-19 cases People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- The Chinese mainland reported 35 new imported cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Tuesday, bringing the total number of imported cases to 806, the National Health Commission said Wednesday.
• 35 overseas Chinese students diagnosed with COVID-19: official People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- Thirty-five Chinese students studying abroad have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) so far, said an education official.
• Beijing reports 3 new imported COVID-19 cases People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- Beijing reported three new imported cases of COVID-19 Monday, two of whom coming from Serbia and one from Spain, a local health official said Tuesday.
• Carriers with no symptoms a concern People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- Some Chinese medical experts are calling for more measures to contain the spread of asymptomatic COVID-19 as more such cases have been reported across the country.
• A little help goes a long way: China offers help to other countries and regions tackling COVID-19 People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- The Chinese government and public have selflessly extended a helping hand to other countries and regions around the world to help in their fight against COVID-19, a lethal virus that has been rampaging around the globe since December, despite the fact that China is still under pressure from imported cases and possible rebound in domestic cases.
• Politicizing China's foreign assistance does no good for global efforts against COVID-19 People's Daily 01 Apr 2020 -- While China offers help and support to countries affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, some have attempted to politicize China's assistance, following concerns over the quality of some Chinese-made equipment.
• China has no intention to compare with other countries on COVID-19 aid Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- China has been offering assistance to other countries while combating COVID-19 at home, and China has no intention to compare with other countries in doing this, China's Foreign Ministry said following US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's claim that the US' contribution to the World Health Organization (WHO) is 10 times that of China.
• China willing to share virus experience, equipment with India: FM Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- China said it is willing to share with India its own experience on fighting COVID-19 and to provide possible aid in its fight against the virus, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Wednesday, which marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Russia

• Coronavirus Aid Coming 'From Russia With Love' -- Or An Agenda? RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- The fifteen Russian military planes that delivered much-needed medical equipment to Italy last week to deal with the coronavirus outbreak were branded with the slogan "From Russia With Love."
• Russia Says Military Plane En Route To U.S. With Coronavirus Aid RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- Russia says it has sent a military plane with medical equipment to the United States to help in its battle to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
• Russia Ramps Up Production and Usage of Coronavirus Tests - Prime Minister Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- Russia has registered 2,777 cases of the new coronavirus as well as 24 fatalities since reporting the first case in late January. Some 121 people have recovered from the disease. The country was among the first to introduce travel restrictions against China and has since promoted self-isolation in order to stop the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Putin Signs Law Enabling Cabinet to Declare State of Emergency Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- Last week, Putin addressed the nation to announce a set of measures aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus. Currently, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Europe has exceeded 300,000, while in Russia the total number of registered infections stands at 2,777, according to Johns Hopkins University.

India

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviews MoD's efforts to fight COVID-19 India PIB 01 Apr 2020 -- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today reviewed through video conference the assistance being extended by various organisations of Ministry of Defence to fight COVID-19.
• IAF Continues Its Support towards Fight against Coronavirus India PIB 01 Apr 2020 -- Indian Air Force continues to provide full support in Nation's efforts to contain the spread of the Novel Coronavirus and the management of COVID-19.
• Dr. Harsh Vardhan reviews actions taken and further preparedness on Novel Corona Virus (COVID 19) with Indian Medical Association India PIB 01 Apr 2020 -- Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare chaired a high level review meeting, here today, through Video Conferencing (VC) with senior members of Indian Medical Association (IMA) & State branches of Indian Medical Associations to review the preparedness and concerns of medical staff across the country related to COVID-19.
• Updates on COVID-19 India PIB 01 Apr 2020 -- The prevention, containment and management of COVID-19 in the country are being regularly monitored at the highest level and various actions have been initiated in collaboration by Government of India along with the States/UTs.

Iran

• President praises Armed Forces for fighting coronavirus IRNA 01 Apr 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani appreciated the Iranian Armed Forces on Wednesday for fighting coronavirus.
• Official: Coronavirus death toll hits 3,036 in Iran IRNA 01 Apr 2020 -- Head of Iran's Health Ministry Public Relations Office Kianoush Jahanpour said on Wednesday that 15,473 people out of a total of 47,593 infected by the coronavirus have survived while 3,036 have unfortunately succumbed to death.
• Iran to double COVID-19 test capacity to 20,000 per day Press TV 01 Apr 2020 -- A senior medical officer supervising the tests across the Iranian labs said on Wednesday that the number of tests will double in the coming days to help authorities better cope with the COVID-19 outbreak.
• President Rouhani praises Iran Armed Forces for contributions to coronavirus fight Press TV 01 Apr 2020 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has praised the efforts of the Armed Forces to contribute to the country's fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
• Iran fighting two viruses of corona, sanctions IRNA 01 Apr 2020 -- Tehran Mayor Pirouz Hanachi said that the purpose of video mapping on the Azadi Tower was to express solidarity with the people of the world who are now fighting coronavirus, adding that Iran is fighting both the coronavirus and the virus of sanctions.

Taiwan

• Taiwan Still Calls COVID-19 'Chinese Virus' but Trump Doesn't VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- Most of the world calls this year's deadly respiratory disease outbreak COVID-19 and attributes it to a novel coronavirus. When U.S. President Donald Trump described the virus last month as "Chinese" because of its origin, China fumed and Trump eventually dropped it.
• Taiwan confirms seven more cases of COVID-19, total at 329 CNA 01 Apr 2020 -- Taiwan confirmed seven new cases of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Wednesday, bringing the total to 329 in the country since the epidemic began, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said.
• Taiwan's COVID-19 relief package could reach NT$1.05 trillion CNA 01 Apr 2020 -- The government plans to provide NT$1.05 trillion (US$34.64 billion) in two phases of an economic relief package to give emergency aid to businesses and individuals hit by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday.
• Taiwan to donate 10 million masks to virus-affected countries (update) CNA 01 Apr 2020 -- Taiwan will donate 10 million face masks to countries that are being seriously affected by the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday.
• 10 million masks to be donated to U.S., 11 European countries, allies CNA 01 Apr 2020 -- The 10 million surgical face masks Taiwan pledged to donate to countries seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will be given to the United States, 11 European countries and 15 diplomatic allies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced Wednesday.
• Businesses unable to maintain social distancing should close: CECC CNA 01 Apr 2020 -- Business places at which effective social distancing cannot be maintained should close the premises temporarily to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) advised Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia

• COVID-19 Follow-up Committee Affirms Importance of Enhancing Precautionary Measures SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- The committee concerned with following up the health situation of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) held here today its 42nd meeting under chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawazan Al-Rabiah in presence of the committee's members representing a number of relevant governmental entities.
• Minister of Hajj: We asked the world to be patient in concluding Hajj contracts until path of epidemic becomes clear, keeping in mind safety of pilgrims and public health in world as priority SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Muhammad Saleh bin Taher Banten, called upon the countries of the world to be patient in concluding Hajj contracts for this year 1441 AH, until the view about the epidemic and its current and future effects become clear based on the Kingdom's responsibility towards the public health of the world.

Singapore

• Singapore Reports 74 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- Singapore reported today 74 new cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Singapore Plans Record Stimulus as Coronavirus Turns GDP Growth Negative VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- Singapore is planning a record $39-billion stimulus package aimed at supporting the economy amid the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It is bracing for a possible recession as the virus slows down economic activity.

Other Countries

• Coronavirus response: NATO Allies cooperate with private sector and academia, making 3D printing an essential contribution in the fight against COVID 19 pandemic NATO 01 Apr 2020 -- NATO Allies have joined efforts with private companies and academic institutions in the fight against the global pandemic of the Corona virus. These efforts include making 3D printing available to produce ventilator masks, which represent a crucial component of the medical equipment required to treat patients hit by the Corona virus.
• Coronavirus response to top NATO Ministerial agenda NATO 01 Apr 2020 -- NATO Foreign Ministers will hold a meeting by secure videoconference on Thursday (2 April 2020) to address the Alliance's response to the coronavirus and other key issues for the Alliance.
• With Eye On Russia, NATO Stresses Readiness During Coronavirus Crisis RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says the military alliance must not allow the coronavirus pandemic to become a security threat, warning that adversaries like Russia and terrorist groups could try to exploit the situation and conduct hostile activities.
• NATO Chief: Pandemic Won't Hamper Alliance's Capabilities VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that the coronavirus pandemic had not diminished the alliance's ability to carry out its missions and keep allies secure.
• Record COVID-19 deaths in Europe as global cases surpass 900,000 Press TV 01 Apr 2020 -- Spain and the United Kingdom have recorded their biggest one-day death tolls from the novel coronavirus, which has so far infected over 900,000 people across the world.
• Southeast Asian Workers Struggle Financially as Social Distancing Kills Business Radio Free Asia 01 Apr 2020 -- The coronavirus pandemic is leaving many workers in Vietnam and Laos unemployed as businesses have been shut down to prevent the spread of the deadly virus, while Myanmar struggles to deal with large numbers of returning migrant workers who lost their jobs in neighboring Thailand and China.
• Myanmar Suspends New Rice Export Licenses to Ensure Domestic Supply Amid Virus Outbreak Radio Free Asia 01 Apr 2020 -- Myanmar has stopped issuing rice export licenses following the declaration of the coronavirus as a pandemic, but will honor existing licenses, the head of an industry group said Wednesday, as local merchants warned that hoarding could threaten domestic supply.
• Vietnam Imposes Hefty Fines for Going Maskless VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- While U.S. health authorities are debating whether or not wearing masks will help slow the spread of COVID-19, Vietnamese authorities are handing out steep fines to those who disregard the mandate to wear them at all times, just about everywhere.
• CDC: Anyone Can Be a Symptom-Free COVID-19 Carrier VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that anyone can be a coronavirus carrier even if they aren't showing any symptoms.
• COVID-19: Moscow Has App To Monitor Quarantine; Belarus Denies First Fatality RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll has surpassed 45,000 with over 900,000 infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
• African Conflict Zones in Need of Cease-Fires for Coronavirus Aid VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- Africa security experts say efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic has been complicated by armed conflicts on the continent. Calls are growing for cease-fires to give health care workers safe access to all those at risk.
• UN refugee agency 'rapidly adjusting' the way it works amid COVID-19 pandemic UN News 01 Apr 2020 -- With COVID-19 already having a significant impact on its field operations, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has outlined a series of measures it is taking to respond to the public health emergency and prevent further spread.
• Cuba provides medical relief worldwide despite US sanctions Global Times 01 Apr 2020 -- Cuba has demonstrated its commitment to global solidarity during the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) pandemic by rushing to aid hard-hit countries, despite facing difficulties in importing medical supplies due to US sanctions.
• Coronavirus response: Turkish medical aid arrives in Spain, heads to Italy NATO 01 Apr 2020 -- An A-400M cargo plane of the Turkish Air Force carrying medical supplies donated by Turkey reached Spain on Wednesday (1 April 2020) as part of Allied efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aircraft landed at Torrejón Air Base for further distribution of the supplies by the Spanish authorities.
• Mirziyoev Steps Up As COVID-19 Crisis Increases Contact Among Central Asian Leaders RFE/RL 01 Apr 2020 -- Central Asian leaders vowed at a historic meeting two years ago in the Kazakh capital, then called Astana, to boost their level of cooperation.
• Morocco Reports 40 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- Morocco has reported 40 new cases of the new Coronavirus and one death during the past 24 hours, bringing the total cases to 642 cases, and the total number of deaths to 37.
• Coronavirus Cases Rise to 423 and 12 Deaths in Tunisia SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- The Tunisian Ministry of Health recorded today 30 new cases of the new Coronavirus.
• Coronavirus Cases Rise to 2071 in Pakistan SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- The total number of the cases of Coronavirus in Pakistan rose to 2071 after reporting 157 new cases during the past 24 hours.
• Jordan Reports 4 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- The Jordanian Health Ministry announced today that 4 new cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) are recorded, bringing the total number of the cases to 278 in Jordan.
• Algeria Reports 131 New Cases of Coronavirus and 14 Deaths SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- Algeria reported today 131 new cases of the Coronavirus, bringing the total cases in the country to 847 cases.
• Indonesia Reports More Than 100 Cases, 21 Deaths of Corona SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- Indonesia reported today 149 new cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total cases in the country to 1,677 cases.
• Seven Confirmed Cases, One Death of Coronavirus in Iraqi Community Abroad SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a press statement issued today that the confirmed new cases of the Coronavirus in Iraqi community abroad are seven and the deaths are one.
• Kuwait Reports 28 New Cases of Novel Coronavirus SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health has reported 28 confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases registered in Kuwait to 317.
• Omani Health Ministry Reports 18 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- The Omani Ministry of Health today reported 18 new cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Tunisia announces 50 new COVID-19 cases SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- Tunisians Ministry of Health has announced 50 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of infections to 362.
• UAE registers 53 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- Ministry of Health and Prevention, MoHAP, has announced 53 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of cases in the United Arab Emirates to 664.
• Kuwait announces recovery of seven COVID-19 cases SPA 01 Apr 2020 -- Kuwaiti Minister of Health Sheikh Dr. Basel Al-Sabah on Wednesday announced the recovery of seven people from the novel coronavirus, raising the country's total recoveries to 80.
• Japan on Brink of Emergency Amid COVID-19 Outbreak - Reports Sputnik 01 Apr 2020 -- On Monday, Japanese media reported that the national government was planning to widen its coronavirus-related entry ban to include the US, China, South Korea, and most of Europe.
• Coronavirus pandemic threatens to plunge millions in Arab region into poverty and food insecurity UN News 01 Apr 2020 -- COVID-19 will be responsible for pushing a further 8.3 million people in the Arab region into poverty, according to a new policy brief issued on Wednesday by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).
• Former Somali PM Dies of Coronavirus in London VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- Former Somali Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein has died of coronavirus at a London hospital, the family told VOA's Somali service.
• Somaliland Reports First COVID-19 Cases VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- Authorities in the self-declared republic of Somaliland reported the territory's first two cases of coronavirus on Tuesday.
• Vietnam Latest to Lock Down, While US Braces for Huge Death Toll VOA 01 Apr 2020 -- U.S. officials say Americans should be prepared for a potential 100,000 to 240,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus outbreak, while stressing the need to keep social distancing measures in place to give the best chance of lessening the toll.
• Nigeria: UN and partners acting to avert coronavirus spread in displacement camps UN News 01 Apr 2020 -- The UN system in Nigeria and its partners are working to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus disease in some of the most vulnerable areas in the country: communities and camps housing millions of internally displaced people (IDPs) uprooted by the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast.
• 'Working round the clock' to aid Venezuelan refugees and migrants during COVID-19 pandemic: UN agencies UN News 01 Apr 2020 -- Two United Nations agencies came together Tuesday to urge the international community not to overlook the on-going plight of millions of refugees and migrants from Venezuela, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the world.