Planet in quarantine? The race to counter Coronavirus

How safe is safe when it comes to Coronavirus and when is safe too safe? Italy has closed all schools and universities for two weeks, Saudi Arabia and Iran have suspended pilgrimages to holy sites, Israel has either banned travelers from affected areas or ordered them to self-quarantine while French authorities regulate the commerce of masks and sanitizing gel. And yet – as deaths mount – we are still asking how dangerous Covid-19 really is. What have we learned since the initial outbreak back in December?

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In This Story: COVID-19

Covid-19 is the official WHO name given to the novel coronavirus which broke out in late 2019 and began to spread in the early months of 2020.

Symptoms of coronavirus

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

  • a persistent new cough (non productive, dry)
  • a high temperature (e.g. head feels warm to the touch)
  • shortness of breath (if this is abnormal for the individual, or increased)

Latest News about Covid-19

Below are stories from around the globe related to the 2020 outbreak of novel Coronavirus – since the WHO gave the Covid-19 naming. Most recent items are posted nearest the top.

5 Recent Items: COVID-19

Global national: jan. 19, 2024 | health data shows influenza, covid-19 cases decreasing in canada 1

Global National: Jan. 19, 2024 | Health data shows influenza, COVID-19 cases decreasing in Canada

Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500 hit record highs as tech stocks soar | January 19, 2024

Stock market today: Stocks climb with techs ready to roar | January 19, 2023

Dr Anthony Fauci ‘became part of the problem’ when it came to the spread of Covid misinformation

WEF summit: Canada warns of future supply shocks amid global instability

In This Story: France

France is a republic and the largest Western European nation. Through expansion and colonisation in the 17th and 18th centuries France became a great power and still retains territories around the world. It has a seat on the UN security council and is the world’s fourth most wealthy country with a high standard of living and strong cultural identity.

6 Recent Items: France

Does it matter how young or old our politicians are?

Impact inflation, living costs have on birth rates and Canadians on parental leave

Global National: Jan. 19, 2024 | Health data shows influenza, COVID-19 cases decreasing in Canada

Tempers FLARE: SLY France ‘could SOLVE illegal immigration in a heartbeat’

Uganda, Gaza, Syria, Red Sea, & other topics – Daily Briefing (18 January 2024) | United Nations

Israel-Gaza: Aid package delivered to people in Gaza | BBC News

In This Story: Iran

Iran, also called Persia, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. Its central location in Eurasia and proximity to the Strait of Hormuz give it significant geostrategic importance. Tehran is the capital and largest city.

Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, beginning with the formation of the Elamite kingdoms in the fourth millennium BC. The Iranian Revolution established the current Islamic Republic in 1979.

Iran’s political system combines elements of a presidential democracy and an Islamic theocracy. Iran is a founding member of the UN, ECO, OIC, and OPEC. It is a major regional and middle power and has large reserves of fossil fuels — including the world’s largest natural gas supply and the third largest proven oil reserves.

The country’s rich cultural legacy is reflected in part by its 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Historically a multi-ethnic country, Iran remains a pluralistic society comprising numerous ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups, the largest being Persians, Azeris, Kurds, Mazandaranis and Lurs.

4 Recent Items: Iran

5 Iranian Revolutionary Guards killed in Israeli strike on Damascus, state media reports

Iran Revolutionary Guards reportedly killed in airstrike in Damascus | DW News

Israeli strike kills Iranian military advisers in Syria

Nightly News Full Broadcast – Jan. 19

In This Story: Israel

Israel, a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea, is regarded by Jews, Christians and Muslims as the biblical Holy Land. Its most sacred sites are in Jerusalem. Within its Old City, the Temple Mount complex includes the Dome of the Rock shrine, the historic Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Israel’s financial hub, Tel Aviv, is known for its Bauhaus architecture and beaches. 

2 Recent Items: Israel

Can international justice stop Israel? | Inside Story

Iran Revolutionary Guards reportedly killed in airstrike in Damascus | DW News

In This Story: Italy

Italy is a republic in central Europe which forms a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea as well as bordering France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The islands of Sardinia and Sicily form part of the main territory of Italy. Italy is part of the Eurozone, having entered the common currency on 1st January 1999.

The capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins. Other major cities include Florence, with Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s “David” and Brunelleschi’s Duomo; Venice, the city of canals; and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.

4 Recent Items: Italy

The Beating Heart of the Midfield | Pereyra vs Reijnders | Head to Head | Serie A 2023/24

Poodunnit! – Dog DNA database to PROSECUTE messy culprits to be launched in Italy

Astronauts from Türkiye, Sweden and Italy launched to space station on latest chartered flight

How one city is using dog poo to catch messy owners #itvnews #news #italy #dog

In This Story: Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula.

Saudi Arabia also has one of the world’s youngest populations, with approximately 50 percent of its population of 34.2 million being under 25 years old.

2 Recent Items: Saudi Arabia

Red Sea tensions delay oil shipments from Saudi Arabia, Iraq

U.S. and Saudi Arabia push for a Gaza peace pact with Israel

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