Health

Hongkongers continue protests against threats to civil liberties; Brazil follows US in coronavirus outbreak as Qatar requires contact-tracing app

May 26, 2020

Protesters in Hong Kong are planning to demonstrate against another law that could limit their autonomy. And, the novel coronavirus is hitting Brazil hard. Also, in Qatar, the government is requiring use of a contact-tracing app. Meanwhile in South Korea, youth are embracing old school tunes.

Coronavirus Conversations

Discussion: Stopping the spread of misinformation amid the coronavirus crisis

The World

May 26, 2020

Updated

05/26/2020 - 12:45pm

Amplified by social media, misinformation can undermine critical public health efforts and fuel conspiracy theories — particularly dangerous amid the coronavirus crisis. As part of our weekly series taking your questions to the experts, The World's Elana Gordon moderated a conversation with K. “Vish” Viswanath, professor of health communication at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who addressed the pitfalls of COVID-19 misinformation, as well as ways to find trustworthy information about the pandemic.

Under lockdown in Morocco, Ramadan celebrations get a quiet reset

The World

May 22, 2020

For the first time that anyone can recall, mosques in Morocco are closed for Ramadan.

South Korea’s coronavirus contact tracing puts LGBTQ community under surveillance, critics say

The World

May 22, 2020

Health officials gain access to the cellphone GPS records, credit card transactions and transportation history of anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, and then they release much of that information to the public. Many in country's LGBTQ community say they feel singled out.

British Columbia gets creative to combat drug overdose crisis amid coronavirus

The World

May 21, 2020

The coronavirus has threatened to worsen British Columbia’s drug overdose crisis. Some doctors are trying something unusual: prescribing opioids and stimulants, off-label, as alternatives for people who would otherwise seek out even more toxic versions on the street.

Immigration

Guatemalans deported from US shunned at home over coronavirus fears

The World

May 21, 2020

At least 115 people returned to Guatemala by the US have tested positive for the coronavirus upon arrival. Deportees are being shunned, threatened or chased away by neighbors who fear they are bringing back the virus with them.

COVID-19: The latest from The World

Madrid residents are restless for green space during city park closures

The World

May 21, 2020

Madrid has kept its parks closed to stop large gatherings, but citizens are increasingly angry with the lack of green space in a city where most residents live in small apartments. One lawyer is even suing the city to "take back" the parks.

COVID-19: The latest from The World

Netherlands nursing home builds 'glass cabin' where families can safely connect

The World

May 21, 2020

Many older adults grapple with loneliness, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Zoom and WhatsApp just don't cut it. In the glass cabin, friends and family can visit safely and connect while separated by panes of glass.

Top of The World

Coronavirus cases surpass 5 million; New laws expected to crack down on Hong Kong; Cyclone Amphan kills dozens

The World

May 21, 2020

After the worst day for infections on record, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide passed the 5 million. And as China prepares for its annual National People’s Congress on Friday, new laws cracking down on Hong Kong’s independence are expected to be proposed today. Also, the coronavirus has wreaked havoc on the performing arts, and some people in London are wondering if it’s curtains for the city’s West End theater district.

Top of The World

One of the strongest cyclones in a decade makes landfall in India and Bangladesh; Germany announces rules to block hostile takeovers of health care companies

The World

May 20, 2020

The deadly Cyclone Amphan made landfall today in India and Bangladesh as millions evacuated amid the coronavirus crisis. And, Germany announced new rules that give the government the power to veto hostile takeovers of health care companies. Also, Canadian activists say they’re being targeted by China.

Updated

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