COVID-19 CASES IN NIGERIA SURPASSES 38,000, DEATH TOLL RISE IN SUDAN

Thu 23 July 2020: Experts warn fragile healthcare systems in many nations could be overwhelmed in the face of a severe COVID-19 outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) voiced alarm on Monday at the spread of COVID-19 in Africa, warning South Africa’s surging numbers could be a “precursor” for outbreaks across the continent. “I am […]

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DON’T EXPECT FIRST COVID-19 VACCINE UNTIL EARLY 2021, SAYS WHO

Thu 23 July 2020: Researchers are making “good progress” in developing vaccines against COVID-19, with a handful in late-stage trials, but their first use cannot be expected until early 2021, a World Health Organization (WHO) expert said on Wednesday. WHO is working to ensure fair vaccine distribution, but in the meantime it is key to […]

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TURKEY: ‘NO HANDSHAKES NO HUGS ON EID’, MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING

Thu 23 July 2020: Health minister issues guidelines for upcoming Muslim holiday celebration Turkey’s health minister on Wednesday urged the public to maintain social distancing rules during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. “Especially, those over 65 years and those with chronic diseases should exchange greetings over the phone. There should be no handshakes or hugs,” Fahrettin […]

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CHINA SAYS A CORONAVIRUS VACCINE MAY BE READY BY YEAR’S END

Thu 23 July 2020: SinoPharm approved international phase III clinical trials for vaccine at the end of June, according to official media The China National Pharmaceutical Group (SinoPharm) said Thursday a coronavirus vaccine could be ready by the end of 2020, according to official media. Chinese pharmaceutical companies completed early trials and are preparing for market entry […]

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INDONESIA, MALAYSIA TO CELEBRATE EID AL-ADHA ON JULY 31

Wed 22 July 2020: Jakarta allows prayers in congregation with strict health protocols due to coronavirus JAKARTA (AA) – Muslims in Indonesia and Malaysia will celebrate Eid al-Adha or feast of the sacrifice, a major Muslim holiday, on July 31, authorities announced. Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi said the decision was based on the […]

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LATIN AMERICA BETS ON ACCESS TO VACCINES AS DEATHS ARE ON THE RISE

Wed 22 July 2020: BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) – Although the Latin America region has become the latest epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries in the region are struggling to compete for equitable access to treatment against the virus. Brazil and Mexico are already making efforts to acquire a COVID-19 vaccine once it exists. Brazil The […]

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HAJJ 2020: KAABA KISWA COVER RAISED INDICATING BEGINNING OF HAJJ SEASON

Wed 22 July 2020: Following the annual custom, the lower part of Kaaba garment (kiswa) was raised and tailors covered the exposed part with a white cotton cloth of about two meters across the four sides. This procedure is carried out every year as a precautionary measure to prevent people from damaging the kiswa, as […]

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