Student Connections

On Wednesday, officials from the G20 major economies agreed to freeze debt owed by the world’s poorest countries (Reuters). The measure is aimed to help developing nations focus their spending on healthcare and protecting their vulnerable citizens from the pandemic (AP). An estimated 76 nations will be eligible for the debt deferment, with 40 being […]

The regional director of the World Health Organization, Hans Kluge, stated that European nations should be cautious when considering easing lockdowns and restrictions (Reuters). Kluge told reporters “In the past 10 days, the number of cases reported in Europe has nearly doubled to close to one million” (France 24). He also stated that about 50% […]

A spike in coronavirus cases in immigration detention centers has increased concern for the safety of children across the globe (ABC). As numbers rise, those in overcrowded spaces such as jail cells or detentions pose greater vulnerability to the virus. Inadequate access to healthcare, nutrition, or hygiene services are not uncommon and create a highly […]

According to a new model from the Imperial College London, under the best-case scenario Africa could see a death-toll of 300,000 due to coronavirus (A.P News). This estimate is projected given all countries introduce and maintain strict social distancing practices, but still sees 122.8 million infections, 2.2 million hospitalizations and 300,000 deaths (Reuters). In contrast […]

On Wednesday, Brazil’s death toll from COVID-19 in Brazil reached 1,736 according to data from the Ministry of Health (Reuters 1). One day later, the Health Minister Henrique Mandetta announced his imminent removal from the position on Friday due to clashes with President Jair Bolsonaro (Reuters 1). The two disagreed on the correct approach to […]

Sweden’s COVID-19 death toll rose to 887 as of Sunday. The Scandinavian country’s approach to combating the virus has been an anomaly due to its relatively relaxed method in comparison to the rest of Europe (BBC). Stores, primary schools, restaurants, and bars have remained opened through-out March and April despite rising numbers of cases (AP). […]

Naason Joaquin Garcia, the self-proclaimed apostle of the Guadalajara-based evangelical church, La Luz del Mundo, was arrested last June for 26 felony crimes in Southern California (REUTERS). On Tuesday, a California appeals court ordered the dismissal of the criminal case and charges of child rape and human trafficking against Garcia on procedural grounds (AP). The […]

In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Republic of Ireland’s prime minister Leo Varadkar re-registered as a medical practitioner. Last Sunday Varadkar announced he will work one shift a week (Reuters). He offered his services to the Ireland Health Service Executive (HSE) after registering in March (Reuters). Varadkar previously worked as a doctor for seven […]

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen announced it will implement a two-week ceasefire in support of the UN’s efforts to end the five-year war (Reuters). In addition, the ceasefire aimed to alleviate the threat of coronavirus in impoverished Yemen (Reuters). Although there have been no reported cases, Yemen’s “barely functioning” health system would leave millions vulnerable […]

The Chinese government has reopened the city of Wuhan – where it’s believed the novel coronavirus originated – after more than two months of complete lockdown (The Hill). As of just after midnight Wednesday, the city’s 11 million residents are now permitted to leave without special authorization (Washington Post). More non-essential businesses will open their […]