WorldMar 19, 2020
COVID-19 has now infected more than 200,000 people around the world
The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 207,000 people and killed more than 8,200. The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems. More than 82,000 people have recovered so far, mostly in China.
WorldMar 18, 2020
Vancouver man in northern Italy gives suggestions on social distancing
A Vancouver man in northern Italy says social distancing directives from the Italian government felt like ``suggestions'' when they were first made several weeks ago as the COVID-19 pandemic flared. But with Italy now within the European epicentre of the outbreak, Alex Grant says Italians now consider self-isolation a ``sacred responsibility.'' Grant and his partner live in a one-bedroom apartment in Milan and he says they are both practising self-isolation. He says he goes out once a week to grocery shop, there are no shortages, no hoarding, and his advice is ``take the situation seriously,
WorldMar 17, 2020
Costco is going to start controlling the number of customers allowed in its warehouses
Costco says it has had a surge of business since the COVID-19 outbreak, and is going to start controlling the number of customers allowed in its warehouses in response. The company is also reducing some services and is asking customers and employees to practice social distancing in its stores. Limits have been placed on the number of certain items customers are allowed to buy at once and the company is working with suppliers to make sure in-demand items are available. Costco has also stepped up sanitation of its carts, cashes and product shelves.
WorldMar 17, 2020
Donald Trump: Discussions are ongoing with Canada about keeping the border open
US President Donald Trump says discussions are ongoing with Canada about keeping the border open between the two countries. Trump says the U-S is working very closely with Canada and is calling the relationship between the two countries ``outstanding.'' The opposition parties are criticizing the Trudeau government for its decision yesterday to keep letting Americans into Canada even though it has closed the border to most other foreign nationals. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says the government is urgently reviewing the issue.
WorldMar 17, 2020
Scientists in Seattle have administered first shots of an experimental coronavirus vaccine
Scientists at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Research Institute in Seattle have administered first shots of an experimental coronavirus vaccine to four healthy volunteers. The test is leading off a worldwide hunt for protection, even as the pandemic surges. Doctor Lisa Jackson says the vaccine cannot give participants the novel coronavirus. But even if the research goes well, a vaccine wouldn't be available for widespread use for 12 to 18 months.
WorldMar 17, 2020
British authorities urging all UK residents to avoid unnecessary contact with others
British authorities have dramatically ramped up measures to combat the new coronavirus. The government is urging all UK residents to avoid unnecessary contact with others. And they say people in the most vulnerable groups should be isolated for almost three months. Prime Minister Boris Johnson says ``now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel.''
WorldMar 16, 2020
Idris Elba says he has tested positive for the coronavirus
Idris Elba says he has tested positive for the coronavirus. The actor tweeted Monday that he has no symptoms so far and has been isolated since Friday when he found out about his possible exposure. He says he sought out the test after discovering he had come into contact with someone who had been diagnosed with the new coronavirus. Elba is the latest high profile celebrity to have tested positive for the virus. Last week, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson said they had also tested positively in Australia. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and co
WorldMar 16, 2020
U.S. Fed slashes benchmark rate by 1%
The U.S. Federal Reserve is taking emergency action and slashing its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point to nearly zero. It's also purchasing more Treasury securities to encourage lending in a bid to offset the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.Ottawa has made 10-billion-dollars available to businesses through a credit facility program. The Bank of Canada earlier cut its trend-setting interest rate by half-a-percentage point to three-quarters of a per cent.
WorldMar 12, 2020
Markets crash amid COVID-19 fears
Concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic saw global markets in freefall, with New York's Dow Jones industrial average posting its biggest loss since 1987, closing down almost 10 per cent to 21,200.62. Canada's main stock index plunged 1,761.64 points, or 12.34 per cent, to 12,508.45, with every sector in the red. European stock markets have had one of their worst days in history, with investors worried about a US travel ban that covers much of Europe.