U.S. blacklists Chinese, South African companies over Iran oil trade

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Wednesday identified seven companies that it has blacklisted for trade in Iranian petrochemicals – three based in mainland China, three in Hong Kong and one in South Africa – the State Department said in a statement. Separately, the department also named five Iranian…

Coronavirus slowdown seen from space

Satellite images of normally busy locations around the world show how the coronavirus is having an impact on travel and tourism. In Vermont, car parks are empty as skiers keep away from the resort at Killington. Gatherings of 50 or more people have been banned in the state, bars have…

Coronavirus: MKO bans non-essential travel from northern Manitoba reserves

First Nations in northern Manitoba are bringing in new rules to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Grand Chief Garrison Settee says First Nations are more at risk because of over-crowded households, less access to medical treatment and because many people have complex health problems. The…

Chile“s Pinera declares 90-day state of catastrophe over coronavirus outbreak

SANTIAGO (Reuters) – Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Wednesday declared a 90-day state of catastrophe as cases of the new coronavirus mounted in the nation, giving the government extraordinary powers to restrict freedom of movement and assure food supply and basic services. A military official will oversee the 90-day measure,…

Factbox: What Africa is doing to fight coronavirus

(Reuters) – The World Health Organization has warned of the risk that COVID-19 could overwhelm strained public health systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Here is a selection of measures countries are taking to prepare for the virus and limit its spread. SOUTH AFRICA With more cases than any other country in…

Coronavirus: Superdry, Zara and Wagamama count cost of lost sales

Superdry, Zara and Wagamama have become the latest high street names to warn that sales and profits are being crushed by the coronavirus crisis. Fashion retailer Superdry said it has closed most of its European stores. In the US and UK – where their outlets remain open – shopping visits…

Democratic leader Schumer criticizes Trump's call for $1,000 checks

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday warned of an economic recession as the coronavirus spreads through the country and criticized the Trump administration’s latest call for issuing $1,000 checks to Americans in response. “The coronavirus is slowing our economy to a near standstill and we…

U.S. blacklists Chinese, South African companies over Iran oil trade

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Wednesday named seven companies that it has blacklisted for trade in Iranian petrochemicals, three based in mainland China, three in Hong Kong and one in South Africa, the State Department said in a statement. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said on…

Coronavirus: Canadians warned not to stockpile medicine beyond 30-day supply

Canada hasn’t seen any drug shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic yet, but pharmacists are warning that could happen if consumers insist on stockpiling. Barry Powers of the Canadian Pharmacists Association told Global News there have been reports of Canadians coming into pharmacies and demanding prescription medication orders that last…

Government bonds hammered as stocks resume slide

LONDON (Reuters) – Global stocks resumed a steep slide on Wednesday while bond markets rushed to price in the sheer scale of government support programs and handouts announced over the past 24 hours, all aimed at softening the economic shock of coronavirus. Dire trading conditions continued to make two-way trading…