PANDEMIC Bells tolled in Madrid’s deserted central square and flags were lowered in a day of mourning yesterday as Spain raced to build field hospitals to treat an onslaught of coronavirus patients. In the U.S., the government’s top infectious-disease expert warned that smaller cities are about to see cases “take off” the way they have in New York City.
JAPAN Popular Japanese comedian Ken Shimura (pictured), who drew inspiration from the American comedic icon Jerry Lewis, has died from the coronavirus, becoming Japan’s first known celebrity victim of the disease. He was 70. Shimura, who attracted fans of all generations with his slapstick comedy and funny faces, had been treated at a Tokyo hospital and died on Sunday.
INDIA is adding more resources to tackle its increase in coronavirus cases by announcing that private hospitals may be requisitioned to help treat virus patients, and turning railway cars and a motor racing circuit into makeshift quarantine facilities. The steps were taken after a nationwide lockdown announced last week by Prime Minister Narendra Modi led to a mass exodus of migrant workers from cities to their villages.
AUSTRALIA More than 800 cruise ship passengers and crew were heading home to Germany on chartered flights yesterday while 41 others infected with the coronavirus were admitted to an Australian hospital after an argument over where they should be treated among local medical personnel.
NORTH KOREA said that “reckless remarks” by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made it clear that Washington has no intention of resuming nuclear talks, and warned that it is now compelled to pay back “the pains the U.S. has imposed on our people.” After a teleconference of foreign ministers of the Group of Seven leading industrial nations last week, Pompeo told reporters the international community must remain united in urging North Korea to return to nuclear talks.
UK The Prince of Wales is now out of self-isolation, following his diagnosis of coronavirus. Prince Charles, 71, spent seven days self-isolating in Scotland after testing positive and displaying mild symptoms. The Duchess of Cornwall, 72, was tested and did not have the virus, but will self-isolate until the end of the week. A Palace official said the prince was in good health and was following the government’s restrictions.
NETHERLANDS A painting by Dutch master Vincent van Gogh was stolen in an overnight smash-and-grab raid on a museum that was closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The Singer Laren museum east of Amsterdam said that “The Parsonage Garden at Nuenen in Spring 1884 ” by the Dutch master was taken in the early hours. All that could be seen from the outside of the museum was a large white panel covering a door in the building’s glass facade.
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