SEE NEW POSTS

Global coronavirus cases top 500,000 as U.S. passes China The United States is leading the world in the number of coronavirus cases as of Friday with 85,707 people sick, according to tracking by NBC News — a toll that surpasses the caseload in China where the pandemic ignited in December. The number of deaths has also risen to 1,268, with New York being the worst hit, accounting for 433 of those killed by COVID-19. Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases worldwide has soared to 533,416 with the death toll reaching 24,082 as of 4:15 am ET, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. Read the full story here. Share this -







France's Macron says he and Trump are preparing coronavirus initiative French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted late Thursday that he had a "very good discussion" with President Donald Trump, and that they "are preparing with other countries a new strong initiative in the coming days." The tweet didn't give further details on the initiative. French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe warned residents Friday that "we are settling in a crisis that will hold." He added that the epidemic will soon hit Paris and the surrounding region. France's initial 15-day lockdown period is set to end Saturday. Philippe said he would hold a press conference Saturday to announce the country's strategy and plans going forward. The president of the French Hospital Federation warned that some Paris hospitals would soon reach capacity, and called for the transfer of patients to less affected regions. Very good discussion with @realDonaldTrump. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, we are preparing with other countries a new strong initiative in the coming days. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 26, 2020 Share this -







At least 44 health workers in Italy have died from coronavirus At least 44 health workers in Italy have died of the coronavirus as of Friday and the number is rising rapidly, according to the Italian Federation of Doctors. The huge number of infections — now over 80,000 across the country — has overwhelmed hospitals particularly in the region of Lombardy. More than 8,000 people have died in Italy. Health workers across the country have taken selfies of their faces, bruised from constantly wearing the personal protective equipment they need to protect themselves. Share this -







Britons coughing at emergency workers could face jail Anyone claiming to have coronavirus who deliberately coughs at emergency workers faces being jailed for two years, Britain’s Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill said on Thursday. Hill said he was “appalled” there had been reports in recent days of people deliberately coughing in the faces of police, other emergency workers and shop staff by people claiming to have COVID-19 infections. Those responsible could face charges of common assault he said. On Friday, the London Metropolitan Police Service called on retired officers — as well as those nearing retirement — to consider returning to or staying on the force, as the city tries to cope with the virus outbreak. The British government announced a three-week lockdown on Monday, as the virus infected more than 11,000 people in the country as of Friday. Share this -







Mexican zoo names new baby tiger 'Covid' A private Mexican zoo in Cordoba named its latest addition, a Bengal tiger cub, Covid after the illness caused by the coronavirus. Sofia Dorantes / Reuters The birth of a baby tiger called "Covid" has brought a glimmer of hope to a private zoo in eastern Mexico, even as normal life slows down to contain the deadly coronavirus that inspired his name. Named by the family that owns the zoo, Bengal tiger Covid was born on March 14 in the city of Cordoba in a small zoo that specializes in rescuing animals from circuses and exotic private collections. "He's going to have a big impact because the situation right now is difficult for everyone, even for us," Kitzia Rodriguez, daughter of the zoo owner and a vet there, told Reuters. "But I think the birth, in spite of the situation, will help us and gives us hope to carry on, so we can have visitors. Covid was a gift." Share this -







In Tokyo, face masks are a must-wear for commuters Commuters wear face masks as they make their way to work on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan. The city's Governor Yuriko Koike requested that residents stay inside this weekend after 41 cases of new coronavirus were confirmed. She warned that Tokyo, one of the largest and most densely populated cities on earth, could face a lockdown if there is a surge in new cases. Tomohiro Ohsumi / Getty Images Share this -





