europe
Putin backs amendment allowing him to remain in power
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday backed a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow him to seek re-election after his current term ends in 2024, ending uncertainty about his future.
Italy under lockdown, officials infected
Italy enters its first day under a nationwide lockdown after a government decree extended restrictions on movement from the hard-hit north to the rest of the country. As the numbers of infected surged in Italy, there were more signs of normality returning to China, where President Xi Jinping' made his first trip to the virus' epicenter of Wuhan. The contrast illustrated the global east-to-west spread of the virus.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in UK jumps to 273
As of Sunday morning, a total of 273 patients have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Britain, according to the latest figures released Sunday afternoon by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Portuguese leaders call for more efforts for gender equality
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Sunday called for more commitment and decision to ensure equal opportunities and treatment for women.
Italy announces quarantine affecting quarter of population
Italy's prime minister announced a sweeping coronavirus quarantine early Sunday, restricting the movements of about a quarter of the country's population in a bid to limit contagions at the epicenter of Europe's outbreak.
Italy records biggest daily rise in virus cases
Italy has seen its biggest daily increase in coronavirus cases since the outbreak broke out in the north of the country on Feb. 21.
First coronavirus death recorded in UK
An elderly patient with underlying health conditions has become the first person to die in the UK having been diagnosed with coronavirus, a statement released by Royal Berkshire NHS Trust reveals.
Swiss officials confirm first coronavirus death
Authorities in Switzerland say a 74-year-old woman infected with COVID-19 has died, the first death due to the new virus reported in the country.
High-speed train derails in eastern France; 21 injured
One of France's vaunted high-speed trains derailed Thursday morning on a trip to Paris, injuring the driver and 20 other people, officials said.
Italy eyes plan to close all schools for 2 weeks
Italian media say the Italian government has ordered schools nationwide to close for the next two weeks to limit the spread of the coronavirus, but the country's education minister says a final decision on the closure not yet been confirmed.