Caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab announces a two-week full lockdown from November 14 - 30, after localized lockdown measures fail to stem the surge of COVID-19 cases. (Daily Star)
COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen halts a plan to kill more than 15 million minks in Denmark to contain a coronavirus mutation due to opposition from MPs to pass a bill that would authorize the slaughter. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon, COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns Caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab announces a two-week full lockdown from November 14 - 30, after localized lockdown measures fail to stem the surge of COVID-19 cases. (Daily Star)
2020 Belizean general election A general election is held in Belize amidst a prolonged economic crisis. Patrick Faber of the ruling United Democratic Party is challenged by Johnny Briceño, the candidate of the oppositional People's United Party. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize for the past 12 years, decided to not run again for office. (Al Jazeera)
A general election is held in Belize amidst a prolonged economic crisis. Patrick Faber of the ruling United Democratic Party is challenged by Johnny Briceño, the candidate of the oppositional People's United Party. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize for the past 12 years, decided to not run again for office. (Al Jazeera)
COVID-19 pandemic in Greece The Greek government announces that it will impose a nationwide overnight curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time, beginning November 13. This comes as the National Public Health Organization reports a record 2,752 new cases and 43 deaths in the past 24 hours. (The National Herald)
The Greek government announces that it will impose a nationwide overnight curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time, beginning November 13. This comes as the National Public Health Organization reports a record 2,752 new cases and 43 deaths in the past 24 hours. (The National Herald)
2020 Belizean general election The People's United Party wins Belize's latest general election, ending the United Democratic Party's rule after 12 years. Johnny Briceño will be sworn in as the next Prime Minister of Belize. (BBC News)
Amnesty International reports that massacres are taking place in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia after a conflict broke out last week. Amnesty cites witnesses blaming the Tigray People's Liberation Front for the "horrific tragedy" taking place as airstrikes continue to hit the region after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed blamed the political group of committing war crimes. Amnesty's report could not identify the perpetrators of the massacres. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Japan The number of new confirmed cases in Japan surges to a record high of 1,651 cases in the last 24 hours as Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura warned of more stringent measures if the number of cases continues to rise. (The Straits Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania COVID-19 pandemic in the Marshall Islands President David Kabua states that the Marshall Islands are COVID-free again after the US Army workman who had tested positive is no longer contagious. Initially, two US Armed Forces personnel had tested positive for the virus and have both recovered. (RNZ) COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins asks New Zealanders who work in the Auckland CBD to stay home if possible from tomorrow after a new case was found in the city. (The Guardian)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Marshall Islands President David Kabua states that the Marshall Islands are COVID-free again after the US Army workman who had tested positive is no longer contagious. Initially, two US Armed Forces personnel had tested positive for the virus and have both recovered. (RNZ)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine Ukraine surpasses 500,000 total COVID-19 cases after a record 11,057 new cases are reported in the last 24 hours. (Kyiv Post) President Volodymyr Zelensky is hospitalized after he contracted COVID-19 earlier this week. (Daily Sabah)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces a $35.14 billion package to stimulate the economy by boosting jobs, consumer demand, manufacturing, agriculture and exports hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the package includes 9 billion rupees ($121 million) for development of a vaccine by the government’s biotechnology department. (ABC News)
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces a $35.14 billion package to stimulate the economy by boosting jobs, consumer demand, manufacturing, agriculture and exports hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the package includes 9 billion rupees ($121 million) for development of a vaccine by the government’s biotechnology department. (ABC News)
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces a $35.14 billion package to stimulate the economy by boosting jobs, consumer demand, manufacturing, agriculture and exports hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the package includes 9 billion rupees ($121 million) for development of a vaccine by the government’s biotechnology department. (ABC News)
President Volodymyr Zelensky is hospitalized after he contracted COVID-19 earlier this week. (Daily Sabah)
The number of new confirmed cases in Japan surges to a record high of 1,651 cases in the last 24 hours as Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura warned of more stringent measures if the number of cases continues to rise. (The Straits Times)
The People's United Party wins Belize's latest general election, ending the United Democratic Party's rule after 12 years. Johnny Briceño will be sworn in as the next Prime Minister of Belize. (BBC News)
Tigray military intervention Amnesty International reports that massacres are taking place in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia after a conflict broke out last week. Amnesty cites witnesses blaming the Tigray People's Liberation Front for the "horrific tragedy" taking place as airstrikes continue to hit the region after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed blamed the political group of committing war crimes. Amnesty's report could not identify the perpetrators of the massacres. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins asks New Zealanders who work in the Auckland CBD to stay home if possible from tomorrow after a new case was found in the city. (The Guardian)
COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins asks New Zealanders who work in the Auckland CBD to stay home if possible from tomorrow after a new case was found in the city. (The Guardian)
2020 Myanmar general election Early results show Myanmar's ruling National League for Democracy winning an absolute majority in the country's latest general election. The election is called unfair by the oppositional Union Solidarity and Development Party and is criticised by rights groups for alleged voter suppression and the political disenfranchisement of the Rohingya minority. (DW)
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, COVID-19 vaccine Indonesia reports a record 5,444 new cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total to 457,735 cases. Central Java reports the highest number of new cases, with 1,362 new cases. (detikHealth) President Joko Widodo states that the country has sought emergency authorization to start a mass vaccination programme by the end of the year using CoronaVac and the Sinopharm vaccine. He also said that health workers, military and police will be the first to receive the vaccine. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Italy The number of new confirmed cases in Italy surges to a record of 40,902 cases, pushing the nationwide total to 1.1 million cases as the government designates the Tuscany and Campania regions as high-risk "red zones". (ANSA) (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden Sweden, whose government took a lighter approach to the pandemic, including not enforcing lockdowns, reports 5,990 new cases, a new single-day record that pushes the nationwide total to 177,395 cases. (Dagensvimmerby)
Early results show Myanmar's ruling National League for Democracy winning an absolute majority in the country's latest general election. The election is called unfair by the oppositional Union Solidarity and Development Party and is criticised by rights groups for alleged voter suppression and the political disenfranchisement of the Rohingya minority. (DW)
Sweden, whose government took a lighter approach to the pandemic, including not enforcing lockdowns, reports 5,990 new cases, a new single-day record that pushes the nationwide total to 177,395 cases. (Dagensvimmerby)
The number of new confirmed cases in Italy surges to a record of 40,902 cases, pushing the nationwide total to 1.1 million cases as the government designates the Tuscany and Campania regions as high-risk "red zones". (ANSA) (BBC News)
Asmara rocket attacks Explosions are reported in the Eritrean capital Asmara amid reports of a missile attack from Tigray, Ethiopia. The Eritrean government confirms missiles were launched at the capital but said that they missed and instead landed in the countryside. The attack comes just hours after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) threatened to target Eritrea. (Eritrea Hub)
Explosions are reported in the Eritrean capital Asmara amid reports of a missile attack from Tigray, Ethiopia. The Eritrean government confirms missiles were launched at the capital but said that they missed and instead landed in the countryside. The attack comes just hours after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) threatened to target Eritrea. (Eritrea Hub)
2020 Pacific typhoon season Around 468,000 people are to be evacuated in Vietnam ahead of the landfall of Typhoon Vamco, which has already killed 53 people in the Philippines. Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc warns people of the seriousness of the storm. (Reuters)
Around 468,000 people are to be evacuated in Vietnam ahead of the landfall of Typhoon Vamco, which has already killed 53 people in the Philippines. Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc warns people of the seriousness of the storm. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Iran The government announces that Iran will impose stricter restrictions beginning November 21. In Tehran and about 100 other towns and cities which are classified as "red zone" or "Level 3", non-essential businesses will close and cars will not be allowed to enter or leave the city. (IRNA) (Reuters)
The government announces that Iran will impose stricter restrictions beginning November 21. In Tehran and about 100 other towns and cities which are classified as "red zone" or "Level 3", non-essential businesses will close and cars will not be allowed to enter or leave the city. (IRNA) (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Greece Education Minister Niki Kerameus announces the closure of kindergartens, primary schools, and childcare centers across the country for two weeks beginning November 16 as part of tightened lockdown measures aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Ekathimerini)
Education Minister Niki Kerameus announces the closure of kindergartens, primary schools, and childcare centers across the country for two weeks beginning November 16 as part of tightened lockdown measures aimed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. (Ekathimerini)
Foreign relations of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Guyana withdraws its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) following the military clashes in Guerguerat. Guyana's Foreign Minister Hugh Todd says his country will "support the efforts of the United Nations to achieve a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution". (Morocco World News)
Guyana withdraws its recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) following the military clashes in Guerguerat. Guyana's Foreign Minister Hugh Todd says his country will "support the efforts of the United Nations to achieve a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution". (Morocco World News)
2020 Brazilian municipal elections Brazilians attend polling stations all over the country to elect mayors and city councillors in an election deemed to be a test of President Jair Bolsonaro's popularity. (Financial Times) Two-thirds of mayoral candidates openly supported by Bolsonaro are defeated in the first round of elections, including São Paulo candidate Celso Russomanno. (BBC News)
2020 Moldovan presidential election The second round of presidential elections takes place in Moldova. (MSN News) Pro-European Union candidate Maia Sandu defeats pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon to be elected the first female President of Moldova. (DW)
Brazilians attend polling stations all over the country to elect mayors and city councillors in an election deemed to be a test of President Jair Bolsonaro's popularity. (Financial Times)
The second round of presidential elections takes place in Moldova. (MSN News)
2020 Belarusian protests A Belarusian human rights group says that over 500 people have been arrested during protests against President Alexander Lukashenko. (ABC News)
A Belarusian human rights group says that over 500 people have been arrested during protests against President Alexander Lukashenko. (ABC News)
Pope Francis issues an appeal to authorities in Ivory Coast to establish a climate of mutual trust and dialogue in the West African nation, where controversial elections have led to violence and a mass exodus from the country. (Vatican News)
Pro-European Union candidate Maia Sandu defeats pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon to be elected the first female President of Moldova. (DW)
Two-thirds of mayoral candidates openly supported by Bolsonaro are defeated in the first round of elections, including São Paulo candidate Celso Russomanno. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, who tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, tests negative within a day. Despite this, he and senior secretary Mostafa Kamal Uddin remain in isolation. (Anadolu Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in Eswatini Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini tests positive for COVID-19. (U.S. News and World Report)
COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Italy A lockdown is imposed in the Italian regions of Campania and Tuscany, bringing the number of regions in lockdown in the country to six. Nine more regions are under strict restrictions. (Il Messaggero) COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine Health Minister Maksym Stepanov tests positive for COVID-19. (Kyiv Post) COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson self-isolates after meeting with Ashfield MP Lee Anderson, who later tested positive for COVID-19. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson self-isolates after meeting with Ashfield MP Lee Anderson, who later tested positive for COVID-19. (BBC News)
COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine Health Minister Maksym Stepanov tests positive for COVID-19. (Kyiv Post)
Health Minister Maksym Stepanov tests positive for COVID-19. (Kyiv Post)
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, who tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, tests negative within a day. Despite this, he and senior secretary Mostafa Kamal Uddin remain in isolation. (Anadolu Agency)
Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini tests positive for COVID-19. (U.S. News and World Report)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson self-isolates after meeting with Ashfield MP Lee Anderson, who later tested positive for COVID-19. (BBC News)
2020 Belarusian protests Retirees protest in Minsk, marking the 100th straight day protests broke in Belarus since President Alexander Lukashenko won his 6th term in a widely rejected election. (AP)
Retirees protest in Minsk, marking the 100th straight day protests broke in Belarus since President Alexander Lukashenko won his 6th term in a widely rejected election. (AP)
Russia–Sudan relations Russian President Vladimir Putin approves the construction of a new Russian Navy facility in Sudan. The naval base will be built near Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast, and will hold up to 300 military and civilian personnel. (Reuters)
Russian President Vladimir Putin approves the construction of a new Russian Navy facility in Sudan. The naval base will be built near Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast, and will hold up to 300 military and civilian personnel. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran reports a record 13,053 new cases and 486 new fatalities in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases in the worst-hit country in the Middle East to 775,121 and the nationwide death toll to 41,979. (Al Arabiya) COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announces a temporary ban on political rallies and gatherings of more than 300 people in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan. (Deccan Herald)
COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announces a temporary ban on political rallies and gatherings of more than 300 people in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan. (Deccan Herald)
COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden Prime Minister Stefan Löfven announces a ban on public gatherings of more than eight people beginning November 24, as part of measures aimed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Sweden. (RTE)
Prime Minister Imran Khan announces a temporary ban on political rallies and gatherings of more than 300 people in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan. (Deccan Herald)
Prime Minister Stefan Löfven announces a ban on public gatherings of more than eight people beginning November 24, as part of measures aimed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Sweden. (RTE)
2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war The Grand National Assembly of Turkey approves President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's request to deploy Turkish Army peacekeepers to monitor a ceasefire agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. (France 24) Armenia and Azerbaijan exchange the bodies of at least 200 people killed in clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh. The exchange was overseen by Russian peacekeepers, according to the Red Cross. (Al Jazeera)
Belarus–European Union relations, 2020 Belarusian protests Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya calls on European leaders to impose sanctions on supporters of President Alexander Lukashenko after police used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse protesters. (Reuters)
Censorship of Facebook The Solomon Islands Cabinet passes a ban on the use of social media platform Facebook in the country, citing public misuse of the platform, and a need for stricter cybercrime legislation and regulation. Communications Minister Peter Shannel Agovaka says the ban does not require parliament's approval, and will be enforced once operators "establish a firewall" to block Facebook. (RNZ)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea The government will increase social distancing rules in the Seoul Capital Area to Level 1.5 amidst a surge in COVID-19 cases. The new protocols will be enforced for Seoul and Gyeonggi Province beginning November 19, as well as in Incheon beginning November 23. (Yonhap News Agency)
COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announces the closure of schools for the remainder of the semester and introduces a nationwide weekend curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. local time. Restrictions for senior citizens over 65 years of age will also be expanded to include people under 20 years of age, allowing them to go outside only from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.. The new restrictions also order the closure of coffeehouses and cinemas, and for all sports events to be held without fans. (Daily Sabah)
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announces the closure of schools for the remainder of the semester and introduces a nationwide weekend curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. local time. Restrictions for senior citizens over 65 years of age will also be expanded to include people under 20 years of age, allowing them to go outside only from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.. The new restrictions also order the closure of coffeehouses and cinemas, and for all sports events to be held without fans. (Daily Sabah)
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel engine cars by 2030, as part of a government plan to reach a net zero emissions climate target in the United Kingdom by 2050. The sale of hybrid vehicles will also be banned by 2035. (Reuters)
The government will increase social distancing rules in the Seoul Capital Area to Level 1.5 amidst a surge in COVID-19 cases. The new protocols will be enforced for Seoul and Gyeonggi Province beginning November 19, as well as in Incheon beginning November 23. (Yonhap News Agency)
The Grand National Assembly of Turkey approves President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's request to deploy Turkish Army peacekeepers to monitor a ceasefire agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. (France 24)
