Epidemics Tracker

Rome, Italy | AFP |  Italy’s Prime Minister said on Tuesday that by the weekend he would reveal the steps the country will take to loosen restrictions, reopen the economy and emerge from the coronavirus crisis. Italy, which has reported more coronavirus deaths than any other European country, has been under …

Kalungu, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |  Education authorities in Kalungu district have resolved to use megaphones also known as Bizindalo to reach out to learners because of the COVID19 lock down. David Bbaale, the Kalungu District Education Officer, says whereas the mainstream broadcasting platforms including television and radio stations are doing their best …

Wakiso, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |  Wakiso COVID-19 task force has protested the disbursement of 165 million shillings to districts for the fight against COVID.  The district taskforce which held an emergency meeting at the district headquarters on Monday argues that the funds are inadequate.  Matia Lwanga Bwanika, the LCV Chairperson, …

Paris, France | AFP |  The coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating threats to press freedom around the world, with authoritarian states including China and Iran suppressing details of the outbreak, activists said on Tuesday. Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in its annual press freedom rankings the pandemic was “highlighting and amplifying the …

Washington, United States | AFP |  Donald Trump said he would temporarily ban immigration to the United States because of the “Invisible Enemy” of the coronavirus, as angry Americans took to the streets to demand an end to crippling lockdowns. In just four months, the virus has turned the world upside …

Kampala, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |  Up to 17,000 People have signed an online petition challenging the allocation of 10 billion Shillings to members of parliament, to allegedly fight the spread of Coronavirus Disease-COVID-19. The petition, initiated by former minister Sarah Kiyingi, says that whereas she does not doubt the important …

Paris, France | AFP |  Whether it came from a bat or a pangolin is not certain, but one thing is: the coronavirus outbreak that has killed tens of thousands and turned the world upside down comes from the animal world. It is human activity enabled the virus to jump to …

Geneva, Switzerland | AFP |  Sofiane Rahmani can hardly believe his luck. After several years of living on the street and bouncing between shelters, he now has his own hotel room, personal bathroom and all meals provided. “It’s true luxury,” the 16-year-old Algerian illegal migrant told AFP at the three-star Bel …

Blantyre, Malawi | AFP |  While much of the world labours under strict coronavirus lockdowns, Malawi has bucked the trend after a court blocked attempts to restrict its population’s movements — much to the relief of some residents. “Had the lockdown been implemented, we would certainly have died of hunger and …

Cairo, Egypt | AFP |  After showing symptoms similar to those of the coronavirus, Egyptian doctor Ahmed Negm went into self-isolation in an old apartment, but before long he was hounded out by fearful neighbours. While health workers in many countries are getting cheers and applause for risking their lives in …