Other Security News
COVID-19 Pandemic News

Other Security News

• U.S. Agencies Warn of North Korean Cyberthreats Radio Free Asia 15 Apr 2020 -- U.S. government agencies issued a joint warning of worldwide threat of North Korea cyberattacks on Wednesday, a day after Pyongyang fired a barrage of short-range missiles into waters east of the Korean peninsula, in a show of force that analysts saw as possibly linked to the COVID-19 emergency.
• North Korea Hackers Pose 'Significant Threat' to Global Finances, US Warns VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- Banks and other financial institutions could soon find themselves in the crosshairs of North Korean hackers, according to a warning issued Wednesday by U.S. officials.
• Germany Arrests Four Tajik Nationals Suspected Of Plotting Terrorist Attack RFE/RL 15 Apr 2020 -- Germany has detained five suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group alleged to be planning an attack on U.S. military facilities and an unidentified individual.
• Germany Arrests 5 in Plot Against US Bases VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- German prosecutors announced Wednesday the arrest of four Islamic State members accused of planning attacks against U.S. military sites in Germany.
• Germany arrests 5 Daesh members planning attack on US bases Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- Germany says it has arrested five members of Daesh terrorist group allegedly planning to carry out a series of attacks on US military bases.

COVID-19 Pandemic News

• Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation report - 86 WHO 15 Apr 2020
• WHO Emergencies Press Conference on coronavirus disease outbreak - 15 April 2020 WHO 15 Apr 2020
• WHO at Forefront of Coronavirus Fight But Not Without Controversy VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- President Donald Trump's announced intention to halt U.S. funding to the World Health Organization is shining a new spotlight on the U.N. agency's role in combating the coronavirus pandemic and whether it has been too deferential to China, where the virus first erupted.
• Jimmy Carter, Bill Gates React to US Cutting Funds to WHO VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and U.S. billionaire Bill Gates have joined the chorus of those expressing concern about U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to suspend U.S. funding for the World Health Organization.
• WHO reviewing impact of US funding withdrawal amid COVID-19 pandemic UN News 15 Apr 2020 -- The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday upheld the importance of international solidarity in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic: a "dangerous enemy" to all humanity.
• US WHO Funding Cut Affects All Nations, China Says VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- China said Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withhold funding to the World Health Organization would affect all countries as the world faces a critical stage in combating the coronavirus pandemic.
• US Cut in WHO Funding Draws Criticism From World Leaders VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withhold funding to the World Health Organization is drawing criticism from world leaders, as coronavirus infections exceed 2 million worldwide.
• Capitol Hill Spars Over Trump WHO Funding Cut VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- Congressional Democrats condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement he would halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) based on his belief the international organization failed to hold China accountable for the coronavirus crisis.
• President Donald J. Trump Is Demanding Accountability From the World Health Organization The White House 15 Apr 2020
• Washington defunding WHO a 'move against humanity' amid global pandemic Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- Halting funding to an organization that plays an irreplaceable and vital role in helping countries get prepared for and respond to the pandemic is a "move of genocide" against humanity, especially when most virus-stricken places are still suffering, and shifting the blame to the World Health Organization (WHO) won't help cover up US President Donald Trump's catastrophic mishandling of the coronavirus crisis, leading the US into a very dangerous situation, predominant experts and observers said.
• US halting funding to WHO unethical: China's top epidemiologist Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- By halting funding to the World Health Organization, the US is only trying to divert attention from its failure to handle its domestic epidemic, China's top epidemiologist said on Wednesday, noting that the US decision is "unethical."
• American Medical Association: Trump's halting of WHO funding is "a dangerous step" People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- After US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he would halt US funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Medical Association (AMA), the nation's largest association of physicians, immediately called on him to reconsider his decision, which they describe as "a dangerous step in the wrong direction", according to a report by The Hills.
• Trump's freezing of funding to WHO amid pandemic draws global censure Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- US President Donald Trump's move to freeze America's funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) – the body leading the global fight against the new coronavirus pandemic – has drawn global censure.
• WHO chief expresses regret over Trump move to cut funding Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- The director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed regret over the US president's decision to cut funding to the body at the time of the new coronavirus pandemic.
• WHO must be supported - UN chief People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday that the World Health Organization (WHO) must be supported, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump' announcement of halting his country's funding to the organization.
• Trump says halting U.S. funding to World Health Organization People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that his administration is halting the nation's funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), a move experts have warned against, as COVID-19 continues to take a toll globally.
• Pelosi Statement on President Trump Halting WHO Funding Speaker of the House 15 Apr 2020 -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after President Trump announced that he would halt funding to the World Health Organization in the middle of the coronavirus crisis
• Russia sees Trump's 'selfish' WHO decision 'most concerning' Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- US President Donald Trump's 'selfish' decision to cut funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) is worthy of condemnation, the Kremlin says.
• Trump halts WHO funding as world scrambles to contain coronavirus pandemic Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has halted funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) as the new coronavirus pandemic continues to take a heavy toll across the globe, accusing the international body of mishandling the deadly flu-like pathogen.
• Pelosi Warns Trump of Swift Challenge to 'Senseless' US Order to Stop Funding WHO Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday accused President Donald Trump of illegally cutting off funding to the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) and warned the president to expect a quick challenge to his action.
• Not the Right Time: India Expresses Disagreement Over US Cut of Funds to World Health Organisation Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- US President Donald Trump has pulled funding for the World Health Organisation while alleging that the UN agency is responsible for the economic chaos and thousands of deaths caused by the pandemic. The US is one of the founding members of the organisation.
• Zarif lambastes US for defunding WHO IRNA 15 Apr 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister in a message on Wednesday criticized US for defunding the World Health Organization (WHO), saying US bullying is killing people.
• Kremlin on US Suspension of WHO Funding: G20 Supports WHO's Coronavirus Response Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- G20 nations have supported the World Health Organization (WHO)'s coronavirus response at the recent teleconference, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday, commenting on US President Donald Trump's recent announcement that Washington will suspend WHO funding over its alleged failure to properly tackle COVID-19.
• UN Chief Says It Is 'Not the Time' to Reduce WHO Resources to Fight COVID-19 Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- The statement follows the announcement made by US President Doland Trump that the United States would halt funding for the World Health Organisation (WHO), which the president accused of mismanaging and covering-up the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

United States

• Remarks by President Trump, Vice President Pence, and Members of the Coronavirus Task Force in Press Briefing The White House 15 Apr 2020
• National Guard Operations Officer for Joint Task Force Illinois on State COVID-19 Efforts DoD 15 Apr 2020 -- Army Lieutenant Colonel Michael Eastridge, Illinois National Guard Operations Officer for Joint Task Force Illinois
• NAVFAC Partners with USACE for FEMA "Whole-of-Nation" Effort Combating COVID-19 NNS 15 Apr 2020 -- Military service members and civilian employees from Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) voluntarily forward deployed this month to partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) "Whole-of-Nation" effort in combating COVID-19.
• Nevada Guard commits record 800 members to COVID-19 fight Army News 15 Apr 2020 -- About 700 more Nevada National Guard Soldiers and Airmen will enter the fight against COVID-19 this week, bringing the total number to about 800 – the largest state activation in Nevada National Guard history.
• Innovation drives COVID-19 fight at Detroit care center Army News 15 Apr 2020 -- "I've never seen 1,000 oxygen lines coming down from the roof of a convention center, and I've never seen walls made of portable plexiglass so they can be increased and decreased in size based on the number of patients we have – what we see here is an engineering marvel."
• Four task forces protect USAG Benelux from COVID-19 Army News 15 Apr 2020 -- Because of the threat of COVID-19, U.S. Army Garrison Benelux set up several task forces in March, including four to directly help prevent the spread of the virus on post.
• Maryland National Guard supports nursing homes Army News 15 Apr 2020 -- To protect the most vulnerable, the Maryland National Guard is working with the state health department to help safeguard people at nursing homes across the state.
• Combat Medics answer the call in response to COVID-19 Army News 15 Apr 2020 -- Combat medics with the Florida National Guard are the frontline Soldiers administering the COVID-19 test, which requires a specific skill set, discipline and focus.
• NY National Guard build COVID-19 test kits to save lives Army News 15 Apr 2020 -- The job doesn't look dramatic, but 30 New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen working at tables and packing boxes in an old armory are fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
• Connecticut Guard, Uruguay share COVID-19 best practices Army News 15 Apr 2020 -- The Connecticut National Guard hosted a video conference with military partners in Uruguay, its State Partnership Program counterpart, to share ways to limit the spread of COVID-19.
• Guard Assists Illinois Residents in COVID-19 Response DoD News 15 Apr 2020 -- About 31,000 Army and Air National Guard troops nationwide have been activated to support the COVID-19 pandemic response, and about 650 have been activated in Illinois, the chief of operations for the Illinois National Guard's joint task force said.
• Air Force update for COVID-19 US Air Force 15 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:
• US military says coronavirus likely occurred naturally Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- The US military says that the coronavirus may have occurred naturally, casting doubt on claims that it originated in China.
• Rush Transcript: Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Cuomo Issues Executive Order Requiring All People in New York to Wear Masks or Face Coverings in Public New York State 15 Apr 2020
• State Officials Announce Latest COVID-19 Facts California Department of Public Health 15 Apr 2020
• Epidemic hinders US military presence near China Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- Despite four aircraft carriers being affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the US is still holding naval operations near China in an attempt to maintain its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, but a Chinese expert said on Wednesday that the moves cannot conceal the US Navy's weak position and may also lead to further infections.
• Report: China Kept Mum on Possible Pandemic for Six Days Before Breaking Silence Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- Internal documents and retrospective infection data obtained by the Associated Press (AP) reveal that Chinese officials did not notify the public about the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak for six days in January, even after realizing that a potential pandemic was on the horizon.
• Pompeo Stresses to Chinese Counterpart Need for Transparency to Fight Virus Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in a call with Chinese Foreign Affairs Director Yang Jiechi underscored the importance of transparency and information sharing in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19), State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a readout on Wednesday.
• US Defence Secretary Says China Still Withholding Data on COVID-19 Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- On 14 April, US President Donald Trump ordered the move against the WHO, charging that the UN agency had accepted China's claims in January that the virus was not contagious and delayed declaring an emergency until the end of the month.

China

• Nigerian FM calls for 'rational attitude' to China's donations against COVID-19 Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama has called for a "rational and balanced attitude" to China's donations in support of the African country's anti-epidemic battle amid domestic controversy over the issue.
• Harbin district raises risk level amid mounting imported case pressure Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- A district in Harbin, capital city of Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on Wednesday raised the risk level for coronavirus infection as it faces massive pressure from imported cases from Russia.
• All medical aid teams depart Hubei as China gains phased victory against virus Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- Following the bow of Leishenshan Hospital director at the ceremony on Wednesday, the makeshift hospital in Wuhan embraced a phased-victory curtain call after a 67-day battle against the COVID-19.
• Hainan restricts access as imported infections rise Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- South China's Hainan Province has restricted access to people from regions that have seen a surge in imported cases, including the China-Russia border city Suifenhe and two districts in Guangzhou, requiring them to present a negative test result before setting foot on the island.
• Chinese student from US confirmed with COVID-19 after leaving quarantine center with negative test Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- Beijing reported a new imported COVID-19 case on Tuesday, who was confirmed two days after leaving the centralized quarantine center, which showed very few infection patients may have a longer incubation period posing new challenges to the disease prevention and control, a Beijing Center for Diseases Control and Prevention official said Wednesday.
• China reports a total of 6,764 asymptomatic COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- As of Tuesday, China reported a total of 6,764 asymptomatic #COVID19 cases, of which 588 are imported cases from overseas and 1,297 cases become confirmed cases: National Health Commission
• Wuhan Leishenshan Hospital retired after last COVID-19 patients transferred Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- A makeshift hospital ceased operation in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, on Wednesday as the coronavirus epidemic wanes.
• Cities in China postpone school resumption dates as COVID-19 cases increase Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- Three cities in China have announced a further postponement of school start dates as COVID-19 cases have increased in the regions.
• Officials warn Chinese in Russia of high infection risk on return journey Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- Frontline experts coping with soaring cases of COVID-19 in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, which is facing increasing pressure of imported cases and a local epidemic, said the region will not become the next Wuhan as it has adequate medical supplies and pursues timely intervention, while warning local governments to remain alert to prevent more cross-infections.
• China approves three COVID-19 vaccines for clinical trials People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- China has approved three COVID-19 vaccine candidates for clinical trials, said an official with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) on Tuesday.
• Asymptomatic COVID-19 cases reach 6,764 on Chinese mainland People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- Chinese health authority said Wednesday that 6,764 asymptomatic cases of novel coronavirus infection, including 588 imported ones, had been reported on the mainland as of Tuesday.
• Shanghai reports 4 imported COVID-19 cases People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- Shanghai reported four imported cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Tuesday, the municipal health commission said Wednesday.
• China stresses regular epidemic control measures in Wuhan People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- Chinese authorities have stressed unremitting efforts in taking regular epidemic control measures in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province.
• Chinese mainland reports 36 new imported COVID-19 cases People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- The Chinese mainland reported 36 new imported cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Tuesday, bringing the total number of imported cases to 1,500, the National Health Commission said Wednesday.
• Chinese mainland reports 46 new confirmed COVID-19 cases People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- Chinese health authority said Wednesday that it received reports of 46 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Chinese mainland Tuesday, of which 36 were imported.
• China's Hubei reports no increase in COVID-19 cases People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- No new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported in central China's Hubei Province Tuesday, local health authority said Wednesday.
• 78 COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals on Chinese mainland People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- A total of 78 patients of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were discharged from hospitals Tuesday on the Chinese mainland, according to the National Health Commission.
• China stresses regular epidemic control measures in Wuhan People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- Chinese authorities have stressed unremitting efforts in taking regular epidemic control measures in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province.
• China Announces Phase 2 of Clinical Trials of COVID-19 Vaccine VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- China has begun the second phase of clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine with 500 volunteer participants recruited from Wuhan, the initial epicenter of the outbreak, according to state media.
• Victim's family, volunteer groups, medical experts refute foreign media reports Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- As the lockdown was lifted in Wuhan, a city in Hubei Province hit hardest by coronavirus in China and its funeral houses reopened to the public, foreign media, including the most rancorous about China's virus prevention efforts, believed they found treasures based on a picture circulated online showing a long line in front of those houses to form their own error-ridden estimation that the real death toll of Wuhan far exceeds what Chinese authorities have reported.

Europe

• Army experts boost NATO fight against COVID-19 disinformation UK MOD 15 Apr 2020 -- Defence Secretary Ben Wallace committed to supporting NATO's efforts to combat COVID-19 in a video conference with Allied defence ministers.
• Britain Reports 761 New Deaths of Coronavirus SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The UK Health Department announced here today 761 new deaths related to Coronavirus, bringing the total number to 12,868.
• Netherlands Reports 734 New COVID-19 Cases SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- Netherlands reported today 734 new cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total cases in the country to 28,153.
• Switzerland Reports 502 New Coronavirus Cases and 73 Deaths SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- Switzerland reported today 502 new cases of the novel Coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 26,336.
• Germany Reports 1,900 Novel Coronavirus Infections SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- Germany has reported 1,900 confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), during the past 24 hours, raising the total number of registered cases to 128,500.
• Europe Coronavirus Updates: Italy reports 602 new deaths, France records 6th daily fall in ICU patients People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- Italy reports 602 new deaths;

Russia

• Over 3,000 new coronavirus cases in Russia SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- Russia's coronavirus response centre on Wednesday confirmed 3,388 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country's tally to 24,490, Reuters reported.
• Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Russia's Putin Missing in Action, Critics Say VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- In 1941, when German forces blitzed their way into the Soviet Union and destroyed the Russian air force in the western borderlands within 48 hours, then-Soviet dictator Josef Stalin retreated to his dacha and saw no one for several days.

India

• Updates on COVID-19 India PIB 15 Apr 2020
• "We can and we will defeat this Virus" - Dr. Harsh Vardhan India PIB 15 Apr 2020 -- The Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan held an interactive session through Video Conferencing today with senior officials and field officers of the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as key central and state government health functionaries on the measures being taken for containment of COVID-19 in India.

Pakistan

• Coronavirus Cases Rise to 5988 in Pakistan SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The total number of the new Coronavirus cases in Pakistan rose to 5988.
• Pakistan coronavirus death toll passes 100 IRNA 15 Apr 2020 -- The government of Pakistan on Wednesday reported the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached to 5,988 while 107 patients died due to the deadly virus so far.
• Pakistan Province Suspects COVID-19 in Spike in Bodies Brought to Hospital VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- Officials in Pakistan's largest city of Karachi have reported an unusual rise in the number of bodies being brought to hospitals and of patients dying due to "severe medical ailments" within a few hours of their arrival, suspecting the COVID-19 pandemic could be causing the fatalities.

Iran

• US move against WHO crime against humanity, FM spox says IRNA 15 Apr 2020 -- Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Wednesday that the US act to punish the only coordinator of world health affairs amid the fight against a global disaster is the peak of irresponsibility and crime against humanity.
• UN warns of 'dangerous epidemic of misinformation' during COVID-19 pandemic IRNA 15 Apr 2020 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his recent video message, while describing the impact of the coronavirus as "the most challenging crisis we have faced since the Second World War", warned about spread of global 'misinfo-demic'.
• Coronavirus death toll reaches 4,777 in Iran IRNA 15 Apr 2020 -- The head of Iran's Health Ministry's Public Relations Office said on Wednesday 76,389 people have been infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19), 4,777 of whom have lost their lives.
• Iranian Army medical personnel in front line of fight against COVID-19: Army cmdr. IRNA 15 Apr 2020 -- Over 11,000 Iranian Army medical personnel are in the front line of the country's battle against the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Army Commander Brigadier-General Abdolrahim Mousavi said in a message on Wednesday.
• Pres. Rouhani says Iran to fight COVID-19, unemployment simultaneously IRNA 15 Apr 2020 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iran is to battle the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and unemployment at the same time.
• Coronavirus infections decline in 16 Iran provinces: Official IRNA 15 Apr 2020 -- Deputy minister of health, treatment and medical education said that c
• Iran's Zarif: US to live in infamy for defunding WHO amid virus pandemic Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has hit out at the US for deciding to halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) amid the coronavirus pandemic, saying the world may now better realize Tehran's long experience of bearing the brunt of Washington's bullying that kills people.
• Over 11,000 Iranian Army medical personnel on front line of fighting COVID-19: Cmdr. Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- The chief commander of Iran's Army says over 11,000 medical staff of the force have been on the front line in the country's fight against the COVID-19 disease.
ases of coronovirus infections declined in 16 Iranian provinces on Tuesday, as the number of those infected stood between zero and 20.

South Korea

• With Masks, Sanitizer & Gloves, South Koreans Go to the Polls VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- South Koreans stood in socially distanced lines, disinfected their hands, and wore face masks and gloves inside polling stations, as they participated in one of the world's first major elections of the coronavirus era.

ASEAN

• China calls on ASEAN Plus Three countries to work for early victory against COVID-19 in East Asia People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ASEAN Plus Three or APT) to pool efforts in clinching an early victory against COVID-19 in East Asia.
• China, ASEAN join hands in fighting COVID-19 People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has swept across the globe during the past months, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have worked closely in fighting the pandemic, offering strong support to each other all along.
• ASEAN Plus Three countries pledge to jointly fight COVID-19, keep markets open People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, Japan and South Korea (ASEAN Plus Three or APT) on Tuesday pledged to enhance cooperation in jointly fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and stabilizing and invigorating the regional economy.

Saudi Arabia

• Spokesperson of Health Ministry: We are all Responsible SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- Under the chairmanship of Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the COVID-19 Follow-up Committee held its 56th meeting today.
• Ministry of Interior: Al-Atheer District in Dammam Isolated in Addition to 24-Hour Curfew Starting Today until Further Notice SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- An official source at the Ministry of Interior has stated that in light of the recommendations of competent health authorities to enhance the precautionary measures to limit the spread of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents, the following was decided:
• Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques approves a package of additional initiatives to mitigate impacts of Coronavirus on economic activities and private sector SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has approved a package of additional initiatives including support, exemption, and expediting payment of private sector dues as an extension of continuing efforts of the Government to deal with impacts and consequences of the novel Coronavirus pandemic and take all measures to confront financial and economic impacts on the private sector and economic activities which have been most affected by repercussions of the pandemic.

Taiwan

• Taiwan adds two new COVID-19 cases, total at 395 CNA 15 Apr 2020 -- Two new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease were confirmed in Taiwan on Wednesday, both of them individuals who recently returned to Taiwan from the United States, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).
• Gov't considering mandatory virus tests for certain travelers CNA 15 Apr 2020 -- Although the COVID-19 coronavirus is currently at a "controllable" level in Taiwan, precluding the need for universal testing, the government is considering mandating tests for all travelers returning from certain high risk locations overseas, Deputy Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan (薛瑞元) said Wednesday.
• Taiwan develops fast, accurate coronavirus test kit CNA 15 Apr 2020 -- Taiwan researchers have developed a new nucleic acid test kit for the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, and it can produce results in an hour, with 90 percent accuracy, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) said Wednesday.
• Taiwan donation of 300,000 masks arrives in Philippines CNA 15 Apr 2020 -- A shipment of 300,000 surgical face masks donated by Taiwan to the Philippines arrived in the capital Manila on Wednesday to help the neighboring country fight the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
• WHO counters Taiwan ad saying it is isolated from world health body CNA 15 Apr 2020 -- Responding to an ad arguing that Taiwan has been isolated from the World Health Organization (WHO), the world health body said Tuesday it has maintained regular technical exchanges with Taiwanese health authorities over several decades.
• WHO's list of ways it interacts with Taiwan CNA 15 Apr 2020 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement Tuesday in response to a crowdfunded ad that Taiwan is isolated from the world health body.

NATO

• NATO Defence Ministers agree next steps in fight against Coronavirus NATO 15 Apr 2020 -- NATO Defence Ministers met today (15 April 2020) by secure video conference to decide the Alliance's next steps in the fight against Covid-19.
• Coronavirus response: NATO supports Afghan security forces and institutions tackling global pandemic NATO 15 Apr 2020 -- NATO maintains its operational readiness across the board, including through its mission in Afghanistan. The NATO-led Resolute Support mission stands firmly committed to support the Afghan security forces and institutions, as these continue their efforts to protect the Afghan population from terrorism and pave the way towards lasting peace in the country.
• Coronavirus response: delivery of Allied medical assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina NATO 15 Apr 2020 -- Today (15 April 2020), personnel of the US Army and NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo delivered medical supplies and disinfectants to the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. This delivery followed a request for assistance from Bosnia and Herzegovina, through NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC).

Other Countries

• IMF warns of social unrest amid coronavirus pandemic Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned about a new wave of social unrest around the world as a result of the economic stress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
• IMF projects global economy to contract by 3 pct in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- The global economy is on track to contract "sharply" by 3 percent in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, much worse than during the 2008-09 financial crisis, according to a World Economic Outlook (WEO) report released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday.
• Politicizing COVID-19 will only help virus, says SCO Secretary-General People's Daily 15 Apr 2020 -- Member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will continue to take decisive action together to counter the spread of COVID-19, and politicizing the virus is of no benefit to anyone but the virus itself, said Vladimir Norov, the SCO Secretary General.
• Normally Raucous Southeast Asian New Year Celebrations All But Silenced by COVID-19 Radio Free Asia 15 Apr 2020 -- The coronavirus pandemic has dried up New Year celebrations in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, a Southeast Asian tradition where people celebrate by dousing each other with water during the hottest time of the year, metaphorically washing away the sins of the past 12 months, with small numbers openly defying lockdown orders.
• Uzbekistan Calls For End Of Cotton Boycott Amid Coronavirus Pandemic RFE/RL 15 Apr 2020 -- Uzbekistan has called on a global human rights coalition, the Cotton Campaign, to lift an international boycott of Uzbek cotton and textiles, citing progress in eliminating forced labor and the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
• Coronavirus Cases in Africa Exceed 16000, with 875 Deaths SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The total number of the Coronavirus cases in Africa rose to more than 16000, 875 deaths and 3142 recoveries.
• Morocco Reports 136 New Cases of COVID-19 SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The death toll from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Morocco rose during the past 24 hours to 2,024 cases, after recording 136 new cases, while the death toll reached 127 after one death was recorded.
• Jordan Reports 4 New Cases of Coronavirus SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The Ministry of Health of Jordan announced today 4 new cases of the new Coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases to 401.
• Algeria Reports 90 Cases of COVID-19 and 10 Deaths SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- Spokesperson of the Coronavirus Monitoring and Follow-up Committee of Algeria Jamal Furar announced today 90 new cases of the Coronavirus, bringing the total number to 2160.
• Singapore Reports 447 New Coronavirus Cases SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- Singapore reported today 447 new cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 3699.
• COVID-19 Death Toll Rises to 10 in Mali SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The death toll from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) rose today to 10 in Mali.
• GCC Chambers of Commerce Launch a Number of Initiatives in Light of Coronavirus Pandemic SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The GCC Chambers have launched many precautionary steps and measures facing the GCC private sector due to the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including launching accounts on the social media, and monitoring a number of initiatives of the businessmen and the community services.
• COVID-19 New Cases Decrease to Less Than 100 in Malaysia SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The new cases of the Coronavirus in Malaysia decreased today to less than 100 for the first time since 14 March 2020.
• Kuwait Reports 50 New Cases of Novel Coronavirus, 30 Recoveries SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health has reported 50 confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of registered cases in Kuwait to 1405, while the number of deaths remained 3.
• Morocco Reports 100 New Cases of COVID-19, One Death SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- Morocco reported today 100 new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and one death. This brings the total number of coronavirus infections in the country to 1,988, and the death toll to 127.
• Philippines reports 14 new coronavirus deaths, 230 more infections SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The Philippines' health ministry on Wednesday reported 14 new coronavirus deaths and 230 additional infections, Reuters reported.
• UAE announces 412 new cases of COVID-19 , 81 recoveries SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The United Arab Emirates has conducted over 32,000 additional COVID-19 tests among citizens and residents over the past few days, in line with the Ministry of Health and Prevention's plans to intensify virus screening in order to contain the spread of COVID-19.
• Oman Announces 97 New Cases of COVID-19, One Recovery SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- The Omani Ministry of Health has announced 97 new cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the number of infections in the country to 910, while the number of deaths remained 4.
• Africa mobilizing to minimize losses as COVID-19 pandemic continues worldwide advance UN News 15 Apr 2020 -- From procuring test kits to promoting debt relief, the UN will stand in solidarity with Africa as it braces against the unprecedented economic, social and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary-General António Guterres pledged on Wednesday.
• Coronavirus Raises Tensions Between Syrian Government, Kurds VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- The coronavirus pandemic has increased tensions between the Syrian government and Kurdish groups in the war-torn country.
• Secretary General of Arab League Warns about Humanitarian Crisis in Syrian Refugees Camps SPA 15 Apr 2020 -- Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmad Abu Al-Ghait warned today about humanitarian crisis in the camps of the Syrian refugees due to the possibility of the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• In time of deadly pandemic, India, Pakistan to lift some curbs to help millions Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- In a move to help millions of people hit by lockdowns due to the new coronavirus pandemic, the governments in India and Pakistan will allow particular activities to resume.
• World facing off against killer pathogen: Countries report more coronavirus infections, deaths Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- The outbreak of COVID-19 continues to expand in different countries around the world, although to varying degrees.
• Migrant workers face predicament in Persian Gulf countries amid pandemic Press TV 15 Apr 2020 -- Arab countries in the Persian Gulf region have locked down over-crowded labor camps and areas with large populations of low-wage workers in an attempt to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, leaving migrant workers stranded and jobless.
• Why COVID-19 is a Double Whammy for Middle East Countries VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- The shock to the global economy from the coronavirus outbreak is hitting Middle East economies particularly hard, analysts say.
• COVID-19: New Moscow Permit System Sparks Crowds; Georgia Locks Down Major Cities RFE/RL 15 Apr 2020 -- The global death toll from the coronavirus is nearing 128,000 with more than 2 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.
• COVID-19 A Hard Row To Hoe For Migrant Laborers RFE/RL 15 Apr 2020 -- There was a xenophobic joke going around in Moscow, as residents were forced into an increasingly strict coronavirus lockdown, that the continued sight of migrant workers on the streets revealed who really ran the Russian capital.
• Syria Faces Critical Shortage of Artificial Lung Ventilators Amid Pandemic - Military Sputnik 15 Apr 2020 -- Syria is facing a critical shortage of artificial lung ventilators amid the coronavirus pandemic, and Western sanctions are hindering the delivery of medical equipment, the heads of the joint Russia-Syria coordination centre on refugee repatriation said in a joint statement on Wednesday.
• China-Myanmar border sounds highest alarms to avoid imported COVID-19 cases Global Times 15 Apr 2020 -- The China-Myanmar border is known for the interactive blending among people from both sides. But this trend brings extra pressure during the COVID-19 epidemic, as containing imported cases becomes China's main challenge.
• France Wants More COVID-19 Money for Developing Countries VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- France said Tuesday that the G20 group of industrialized nations have agreed to a partial moratorium on debt payments this year from the world's developing countries, many of them in Africa. French President Emmanuel Macron wants to go further.
• Nigeria's Displaced Camps Among Most Vulnerable to Coronavirus VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- More than a decade of Boko Haram militant attacks have displaced over two million Nigerians in the north, with hundreds of thousands living in internally displaced people's camps.
• Kenya's Ministry of Health Ramps Up Testing to Contain Covid-19 VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- Kenya's Ministry of Health will start mass testing of the population to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The first phase of the testing will prioritize high-density areas such as the slums of Nairobi, and high-risk areas such as hospitals and quarantine centers.
• Malawians Express Reservations on Planned 21-Day Lockdown VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- Malawi's government has put the nation on lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The virus has so far infected 16 people in the southern African country and killed two. People providing essential services will be exempt from the lockdown, but many worry the restrictions on movement and work will put many at risk for food shortages.
• Rights Groups Welcome Court Ban on Brutal Zimbabwe COVID-19 Lockdown VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- Human rights groups in Zimbabwe have welcomed a court ruling ordering state security forces not to assault citizens while enforcing the country's coronavirus lockdown. One of those injured says he wants compensation from the government as his arm and leg were broken, allegedly by security forces.
• Why Filipinos Support President's Extended Virus Containment Shutdowns Despite Economic Hardship VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- Shutdowns in the Philippines through April 30 to contain the coronavirus spread are expected to give President Rodrigo Duterte a new burst of public support despite economic hardships on a largely impoverished population.
• Turkey Releases Refugees from Quarantine Amid Coronavirus Lockdown VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- After more than two weeks of forced quarantine, hundreds of refugees in Turkey have been released haphazardly in recent days, with many being left on the streets in locked down coastal areas.
• Returning Refugees Could Spread Coronavirus in Afghanistan, UN Warns VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- The UN refugee agency warns the return of tens of thousands of refugees to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran risks overwhelming the country's medical system and spreading COVID-19.
• Kyrgyzstan Asks China For Debt Relief Amid Economic Strain Of Pandemic RFE/RL 15 Apr 2020 -- Kyrgyzstan has asked China for debt relief as it struggles with the economic shocks of the coronavirus pandemic.
• For Algeria's Hirak Protest Movement, COVID-19 Could Prove an Opportunity VOA 15 Apr 2020 -- A year ago, Algeria's stunning popular uprising forced out longtime President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and rocked a power establishment in place since independence.