COVID-19 Updates
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Philippine Congress approves anti-terror law more ‘urgent’ than coronavirus
The Philippine Congress approved a controversial anti-terror bill on Wednesday, despite the concerns of legal experts who warn it could be open to abuse.The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 allows for…
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Facebook survey finds 1% of Britons reporting coronavirus symptoms
A groundbreaking survey of Facebook users suggests that around 1% of Britons are showing symptoms for Covid-19 at any given time, with the proportion in Scotland rising as high as…
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China to bypass provinces with direct payments to cash-strapped local governments, but revenue problems remain
China is planning to channel much of its stimulus funding directly to cash-strapped city and county governments to help revive the economy, a move that highlights the long-standing tax and…
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MPs shielding from Covid-19 allowed proxy vote in Johnson U-turn
Boris Johnson has announced a government U-turn to allow MPs who are shielding to vote by proxy following an outcry over the treatment of parliamentarians with medical conditions or those…
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‘We were packed like sardines’: evidence grows of mass-event dangers early in pandemic
The last major football match played in England before all sport was suspended because of the coronavirus crisis was the European Champions League showpiece between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid. It…
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Women picking fruit for UK supermarkets ‘facing new forms of exploitation’
Women picking strawberries in Spain for UK supermarkets are facing new forms of exploitation, unions and lawyers warn, as the industry is hit by labour shortages caused by the coronavirus…
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Singapore-China ‘travel bubble’ to open with swab tests, contact tracing and strict itineraries
Within weeks, businesspeople and officials will be able to travel between Singapore and six Chinese regions without having to serve lengthy quarantines – so long as they submit to coronavirus…
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Morrison government to offer $25,000 grants to help build and renovate homes
The Morrison government will fund grants worth $25,000 for eligible singles and couples planning to build or renovate homes between June and the end of December, with the uncapped program…
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Boris Johnson declares himself ‘very proud’ of coronavirus response
Boris Johnson has said he is “very proud” of the government’s record on the coronavirus, during a prime minister’s questions at which Keir Starmer repeatedly pressed him on his leadership…
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Obesity and coronavirus: how can a higher BMI increase your risk?
Less than a year ago, Boris Johnson was taking a stand. Milkshakes, he said, should not be taxed. “If we want people to lose weight and live healthier lifestyles, we…