As country begins to open, Italian Bishops argue against continued ban on Masses
Vatican CityRNS After nearly 50 days of a nation-wide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Italian Government is beginning to outline “Phase Two”, which will allow the opening of some businesses and freedom of movement for currently home-bound citizens – but which will not allow Masses. The leading coalition in Italy has decided […]
Global coronavirus cases pass three million as lockdowns begin to ease; WHO chief says pandemic “far from over”
Beijing, ChinaReuters Global confirmed coronavirus cases surpassed three million on Monday, as the United States neared one million cases, according to a Reuters tally. It comes as many countries are taking steps to ease lockdown measures that have brought the world to a standstill over the past eight weeks. A child plays under The Unisphere […]
Back at work, British PM Johnson faces lockdown Catch-22
London, UKReuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson returns to work on Monday to the biggest dilemma of his premiership: how to lift the coronavirus lockdown that is destroying swathes of the British economy without triggering a deadly second wave of the outbreak. Johnson, 55, is back in Downing Street almost a month to the day since […]
On the Screen: 10 faith films to watch while staying home
MARCUS CHEONG takes a look at 10 of his favourite recent faith films to catch at home while cinemas remain closed…
Coronavirus and COVID-19: Fact versus fiction
Reuters US President Donald Trump’s musings about whether disinfectants and ultraviolet light can be inserted into patients’ bodies to treat COVID-19 have alarmed doctors and drawn warnings from the makers of Lysol, Dettol and Clorox. Here are some other claims that have circulated about how to treat COVID-19 or stop the transmission of the new […]
Amazon leaders demand illegal miners stay away to protect tribal lives
Bogota, ColombiaThomson Reuters Foundation Amazon tribal leaders called on governments in South America to ensure illegal miners stay away from their forest lands as they fear outsiders could spread the coronavirus among vulnerable Indigenous communities. At least 10 Indigenous people in Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia have died from the highly contagious COVID-19, according to the […]
South Korean officials call for caution amid reports that North Korean leader Kim is ill
Seoul, South KoreaReuters South Korean officials are calling for caution amid reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may be ill, emphasising that they have detected no unusual movements in North Korea. At a closed door forum on Sunday, South Korea’s Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul, who oversees engagement with the North, said the government has […]
Countering COVID-19: Countries, companies risk billions in race for coronavirus vaccine
JULIE STEENHUYSEN, PETER EISLER, ALLISON MARTELL and STEPHANIE NEBEHAY, of Reuters, report on the race for a cure…
Indian farm workers broke, uncertain as rural lockdown eased
Mumbai, IndiaThomson Reuters Foundation As India eased its tough coronavirus lockdown for farmers, some agricultural workers said they were unaware they could return to the fields after weeks without income during the peak harvest season. India’s 1.3 billion people will continue to live under strict curbs until 3rd May, but the government said farms and […]
Essay: Truth, unity and solidarity – Three prerequisites to reopening America
JIM WALLIS, founder of US-based Christian social justice organisation Sojourners, looks at the three Biblical principles which need to be in place so lockdown restrictions can be ended…