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Bloomberg The coronavirus pushed China’s economy into its first contraction in decades in the first quarter, with the spread of the disease around the world now leaving the nation reliant on fragile local demand to spur a recovery. Gross domestic product shrank 6.8% from a year ago, the worst performance since at least 1992 when official releases of quarterly GDP ...

Bloomberg Coronavirus cases in Singapore soared past the 5,000 mark as authorities detected more infections among foreign workers. Authorities said an additional 623 cases were confirmed on April 17 , bringing the total to 5,050 in the country, according to the health ministry’s statement. The majority of the cases are tied to facilities that house low-wage migrant workers in close ...

Bloomberg President Donald Trump announced a $19 billion bailout package for farmers hurt financially by the coronavirus crisis. The aid plan includes $16 billion in direct payments to farmers to boost their incomes, along with $3 billion in government purchases of meat, dairy products and other foods, the president said at a White House briefing. The Agriculture Department will receive ...

Bloomberg Boris Johnson’s government is seeking to expedite production of a vaccine and drugs to treat Covid-19, both of which are seen as crucial to end nationwide restrictions on citizens’ movement that have brought the UK economy to a near-halt. AstraZeneca Plc and the Wellcome Trust will form part of a new task force to coordinate efforts across academia and ...

Bloomberg Quebec’s efforts to grow fruits and vegetables during freezing winter months have gained new urgency after the coronavirus pandemic exposed risks to supply chains around the world. The Canadian province touted a C$1.3 million ($930,000) investment in an engineering company that outfits farmers to produce strawberries in winter. Premier Francois Legault also called on people who have lost their ...

Bloomberg Days after insisting he had absolute authority to steer the country’s economic recovery from the coronavirus outbreak, President Donald Trump instead handed over the keys to governors and businesses. Trump issued guidelines for states to consider as they decide whether to relax stay-at-home orders and other social-distancing measures enacted to curb the spread of the virus. The brief document ...

Abu Dhabi / WAM The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an has announced it has started working to provide a new food support scheme in Abu Dhabi for people whose income has been affected by the current health and economic situation. Individuals, couples or families most affected and those who meet the conditions can apply for support if their income ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The UAE evacuated 11 foreign nationals from the Yemeni island of Socotra. The individuals, who were stranded in Socotra after visiting the island for tourism, came from countries including the US, UK, France, Germany, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. “As part of our commitment to cooperating with countries working to combat the Covid-19 outbreak, the ...

ABU DHABI / WAM Image Nation Abu Dhabi launched an inspirational video created to pay tribute to the UAE’s leadership, dedicated workers and everyday heroes for their contributions to the community. The short film titled, ‘Tribute to Everyday Heroes’, celebrates the resilience and unity that the nation is demonstrating through these challenging times, from heroic front-line workers providing healthcare and ...

SHARJAH / WAM Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) announced the launch of virtual tours and online exhibits of some of its contemporary and modern art masterpieces housed at Sharjah Art Museum. The move, which is part of the authority’s concerted efforts, is to ensure the authority continues to engage with the community during this difficult time. Starting Thursday, people can immerse ...