Politicians

France and Spain ease virus lockdowns but UK wary

With millions out of work and economies flatlining – including in the United States, where 20 million people lost their jobs in April – governments are desperate to reopen, but most are choosing a gradual approach.

Australian children begin to return to school as virus curbs eased

Students of New South Wales, the most populous state, and the northern state of Queensland began going back to school on a limited basis to lessen the risk of spreading the illness, state leaders said.

Pence spokeswoman tests positive for Covid-19

US President Donald Trump said Katie Miller, Vice President Mike Pence's spokeswoman and wife of senior aide Stephen Miller, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Peru's opposition leader Fujimori released from prison

Fujimori left the woman's prison in the capital Lima on bail wearing a face mask and white gloves. She had earlier announced on Twitter that she would head straight from the facility to take a coronavirus test.

Brazilians divided on impeachment of President Bolsonaro - poll

Pollster Datafolha found that 48 percent oppose impeaching Bolsonaro while 45 percent of those surveyed want to see him impeached, a difference within the margin of error of the poll.

Australia launches controversial Covid-19 tracking app

The COVIDSafe app uses a phone's Bluetooth wireless signal to store information about people's interactions, and can be accessed by health officials if a person contracts coronavirus.

Trump and Putin issue rare joint statement promoting cooperation

Statement by Trump and Putin comes amid deep strains in US-Russian ties over a raft of issues, from arms control and Russia’s intervention in Ukraine and Syria to charges of Russia spreading disinformation about Covid-19 and US election campaigns.

Philippines' Duterte threatens martial law-like virus crackdown

President Duterte has repeatedly threatened to impose military rule in the Philippines where the mere words evoke the worst rights abuses of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship.

Restrictions to be kept in place in New Zealand when lockdown ends

New Zealand introduced its highest, level 4 lockdown measures in March, under which offices, schools and all non-essential services like bars, restaurants, cafes and playgrounds were shut down.

European nations debate easing restrictions as virus infections drop

As Covid-19 pandemic throws millions out of work and devastates economies across Europe, some governments struggle with the delicate balance between keeping people safe from a highly contagious virus and making sure they can still make a living.

Sanders drops 2020 US presidential bid, leaving Biden as likely nominee

US Senator Bernie Sanders has suspended his presidential campaign, clearing the way for rival Joe Biden to become the Democratic nominee to challenge Republican incumbent Donald Trump in November.

How world leaders are living through Covid-19

Some world leaders had to self-isolate due to proximity to the virus or even testing positive, but all of them are carefully monitored by medical professionals and maintained regular appearances both remotely and publicly.