US death toll from coronavirus jumps to nine

WASHINGTON, March 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The US death toll from the novel coronavirus rose to nine on Tuesday, all in the state of Washington and many of them residents of the same nursing home, officials said. Eight of the deaths have been in King County, which encompasses Seattle,and one was…

Update: 21 dead as torrential rain hits Brazil

SAO PAULO, March 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — At least 21 people have been killedin torrential rain that hit the Brazilian states of Sao Paulo and Rio deJaneiro, triggering flash floods and destroying homes, authorities said. Another 32 people are missing in Sao Paulo, raising fears the toll couldrise further. Violent storms…

Nigeria revives international fishing festival to boost tourism

ABUJA, March 4 (NNN-Xinhua) — Nigeria is reviving its globally-recognized intangible cultural heritage Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival after a 10-year hiatus to boost tourism, the government said. International festivals such as the forthcoming Argungu festival “are part of the creative industry which is one of the areas the…

LatAm countries take steps to tackle COVID-19 as new cases confirmed

MEXICO CITY, March 4 (NNN-Xinhua) — Argentina and Chile on Tuesday each reported their first confirmed case of COVID-19, as countries in Latin America took steps to curb potential outbreaks. Both patients had recently returned to South America from trips abroad. Chilean President Sebastian Pinera allayed fears of a widespread…

Heavy rains leave 16 dead, 33 missing in SE Brazil

Residents carry buckets of mud and water, as search for victims of a mudslide, where people remain missing at Barreira neighbourhood in Guaruja, Sao Paulo SAO PAULO, March 4 (NNN-Xinhua) — At least 16 people are dead and 33 missing following flooding and mudslides caused by heavy rains in southeast…

Italy’s confirmed coronavirus cases rises to 2,263, plus 160 recoveries, 79 deaths

A fan of AC Milan walks outside the San Siro stadium after a Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Genoa was postponed ROME, March 4 (NNN-Xinhua) — Italian authorities on Tuesday confirmed 2,263 coronavirus cases, which marked an increase of 428 infections compared to the previous day. The…

Argentina confirms first COVID-19 case

Argentinean Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia (C) BUENOS AIRES, March 4 (NNN-Xinhua) — Argentinean authorities has confirmed the country’s first case of the new coronavirus (COVID-19). The patient is a man, 43, who returned to the capital Buenos Aires on Sunday from a trip to Italy. “The man was in…

Update: EU leaders express unity in dealing with migrant flows after visiting Greek-Turkish border

Migrants and refugees behind a wired fence at the closed Kastanies border crossing in northeastern Greece. Photo courtesy of XINHUA. ATHENS, March 4 (NNN-Xinhua) — Leaders of European Union (EU) expressed their support for Greece and determination for a common European response to the refugee, migrant challenge after a visit…

Germany reports 31 new coronavirus infections as Ukraine confirms 1st case

BERLIN, March 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany rose to 188 on Tuesday, up from 157 on Monday afternoon, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) said. Thirteen of Germany’s 16 federal states have now reported cases of the novel coronavirus, with the western state of North…

South Africa: President Ramaphosa saddened by horrific bus crash – 25 dead, 61 injured

PRETORIA, March 4 (NNN-XINHUA) — South African President Cyril expressed his profound sadness and concern at a horrific bus crash that claimed at least 25 lives and injured 61 others. “This tragedy leaves our country deeply saddened and forces us to focus yet again on the need for transport providers…