Connect with us

World

Beijing expands lockdowns as cases top 100 in new outbreak

Published

on

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese authorities locked down a third neighborhood in Beijing on Tuesday as they rushed to prevent the spread of a new coronavirus outbreak that has infected more than 100 people in a country that appeared to have largely contained the virus.

The resurgence in China highlighted public health expert calls for vigilance as many nations move forward with easing virus restrictions to revive their economies.

New Zealand, which hadn’t seen a new case in three weeks, said it is investigating a case in which two women who flew in from London to see a dying parent were allowed to leave quarantine and drive halfway across the country before they were tested and found to be positive. And the Philippines reimposed a strict lockdown on the city of Cebu after a rise in cases.

China reported 40 more coronavirus infections nationwide through the end of Monday, including 27 in Beijing, bringing the total to 106 in the nation’s capital since Thursday. At least one patient was in critical condition and two were in serious condition. Four cases were also reported in neighboring Hebei province, with three linked to the Beijing outbreak.

Most of the cases have been linked to the Xinfadi wholesale food market, and people lined up around the city for massive testing campaigns of anyone who had visited the market in the past two weeks or come in contact with them. About 9,000 workers at the market were tested previously.

The initial spread happened among market workers, Wu Zunyou, the chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told state broadcaster CCTV. He said that authorities detected the outbreak early enough to be confident they can contain it.

“For those who were infected, they will start showing symptoms either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow,” he said. “So, if there’s no sharp increase of newly reported cases tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, the outbreak this time will basically stay at the current scale.”

Authorities locked down seven residential compounds in Beijing’s Xicheng district, where the first case was confirmed on Thursday. They also barring residents of areas considered high-risk from leaving Beijing and banned taxis and car-hailing services from taking people out of the city.

The number of passengers on buses, trains and subways will also be limited and all are required to wear masks.

Fresh meat and seafood in the city and elsewhere in China was also being inspected, though experts have expressed doubt the virus could be spread via food supplies. Nonetheless, Chinese media reports said that salmon had been pulled from shelves in 14 cities including Beijing after the virus was found in a sample taken from a salmon chopping board at Xinfadi market.

The market has been closed for disinfection, as has a second market where three cases were confirmed. Residential communities around both markets have been put under lockdown, affecting 90,000 people in a city of 20 million.

China had relaxed many of its coronavirus controls after the ruling Communist Party in March declared victory over the virus, which was first detected the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.

The two women in New Zealand had been allowed to leave quarantine for compassionate reasons and traveled from Auckland to Wellington by car. Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said that as part of their travel plan, they had no contact with any people or any public facilities on their road trip.

The women remain in isolation in Wellington, and tests were being conducted on passengers and staff on their flights, others at the Auckland hotel they initially quarantined at and a family member they met in Wellington.

South Korea, also battling to prevent a resurgence of the virus, reported 34 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday. Half were in the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area where officials have been scrambling to stem transmissions linked to leisure and religious activities and low-income workers who can’t afford to stay home.

The Seoul government has so far resisted calls to reimpose stronger social distancing guidelines, fearing further damage to the fragile economy.

Besides Cebu, Philippine officials retained quarantine restrictions in Manila for another two weeks as infections continued to spike.

“The battle with COVID isn’t over,” Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said.

Turkey, which has seen an uptick in cases since easing restrictions in early June, made the wearing of face masks mandatory in five more provinces on Tuesday. “We cannot struggle against the virus without masks,” Health Minister Fahrettin Koca tweeted.

The epidemic continues to grow sharply in India, which recorded 10,667 new cases, taking the tally to 343,091. Health services in the worst-hit cities of Mumbai, New Delhi and Chennai have been swamped by the rising infections. Nearly 10,000 people have died.

In the United States, Vice President Mike Pence encouraged governors Monday to highlight the “good news” around efforts to fight the virus despite several states reporting a rise in infections, which could intensify as people return to work and venture out during the summer.

In audio of the call obtained by The Associated Press, Pence said the U.S. is seeing strong drops in virus-related hospitalization and mortality rates and urged governors to make it clear to residents that “there’s a lot of really, really good news.”

One governor, Nevada’s Steve Sisolak, announced that current limits on businesses and gatherings would remain in place while health officials evaluate whether the state’s uptick in cases is cause for concern.

Sisolak said he and state health officials anticipated an increase in new cases after reopening and expanding testing capacity throughout June. “Recently we’ve experienced some trends that require additional evaluation and analysis,” he said at a news conference.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

US NATIONAL NEWS

U.S. Expands Sanctions Targeting Iran’s Financial Networks and Regime Financiers

Published

on

WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — The Trump administration announced a new round of sanctions Friday targeting individuals and businesses accused of helping finance Iran’s ruling elite and facilitating international financial transactions on behalf of the Iranian regime.

The sanctions, announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, target a global financial network that U.S. officials say supports Iran’s Supreme Leader and other senior regime officials.

Global Financial Network Targeted

According to the administration, the sanctions focus on Ali Ansari, a Dubai-based Iranian national accused of managing an extensive network of real estate and commercial holdings across multiple countries on behalf of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s Supreme Leader, and other regime insiders.

U.S. officials said the network includes assets and business interests in:

  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • Spain
  • Cyprus
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Other international jurisdictions

The administration alleges the network has been used to help Iranian regime officials maintain access to international financial markets.

Currency Exchange Houses Sanctioned

The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on three Iran-based currency exchange firms and their associated leadership:

  • Mohammad Darbani and Partners
  • Lavasani and Partners
  • Mohsen Khandan and Partners

The sanctions also extend to the firms’ managing partners and affiliated front companies.

According to the administration, these entities allegedly enabled Iran to obtain foreign currency and conduct international financial transactions despite existing U.S. sanctions.

Administration Cites Maximum Pressure Campaign

The White House said the latest designations are part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to increase economic pressure on Iran.

Administration officials said they will continue targeting individuals, businesses and financial institutions—including foreign entities—that facilitate illicit Iranian commerce or assist the regime in evading U.S. sanctions.

The administration maintains that the sanctions are intended to pressure Iran to end what it describes as destabilizing activities in the region and to hold accountable those who enable corruption within the Iranian government.

Authorities Used for Sanctions

The sanctions were imposed under multiple executive authorities, including:

  • Executive Order 13902, targeting Iran’s financial and petroleum sectors.
  • Executive Order 13876, focusing on Iran’s Supreme Leader and affiliated individuals.
  • Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886, which provides counterterrorism sanctions authority.

Treasury officials said the latest designations build upon previous actions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeting Iran’s shadow banking system and currency exchange networks.

Continue Reading

World

U.S., CARICOM IMPACS Sign Landmark Biometrics Data-Sharing Agreement to Strengthen Border Security

Published

on

WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) signed a Biometrics Data Sharing Partnership (BDSP) Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Friday, establishing a new framework for sharing biometric information to strengthen border security and immigration screening.

The agreement was signed July 10 at the Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Washington, D.C.

Strengthening National and Regional Security

According to DHS, the agreement enhances U.S. national security by enabling biometric information sharing between the United States and CARICOM member states that operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs.

Officials said the partnership will improve the ability of both the United States and participating Caribbean nations to identify potential security threats before individuals enter the United States.

The agreement is also intended to help prevent individuals from exploiting Citizenship by Investment programs to evade immigration or law enforcement screening, addressing what officials described as a critical gap in Western Hemisphere security.

Supporting Immigration Integrity

The memorandum also reflects Caribbean governments’ commitment to strengthening immigration integrity and aligning border security practices with U.S. standards.

DHS said the partnership reinforces regional cooperation on identity verification, information sharing and security screening while supporting lawful travel and international security efforts.

Senior Officials Attend Signing Ceremony

The signing ceremony brought together senior representatives from:

  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • White House Homeland Security Council
  • U.S. Department of State
  • CARICOM IMPACS

Diplomatic representatives from the following Caribbean nations also participated:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

These countries currently operate Citizenship by Investment programs that provide foreign nationals a pathway to citizenship through qualifying investments.

Regional Security Cooperation Expands

The Biometrics Data Sharing Partnership represents one of the most significant security cooperation agreements between the United States and CARICOM member states in recent years.

Officials said the framework will strengthen information sharing, improve border security, support immigration integrity and enhance efforts to identify individuals who may pose security risks before they travel to the United States.

Continue Reading

World

CARICOM Leaders Unveil Regional Measures to Combat Rising Cost of Living

Published

on

GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia (FNN NEWS) — Caribbean leaders agreed on a series of regional and national measures aimed at easing the rising cost of living during the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held July 5–8 in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.

Meeting under the theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” Heads of Government focused on policies designed to reduce the financial burden on households as geopolitical tensions continue to drive up global prices for fuel, transportation and essential goods.

People-First Agenda

Speaking at the closing news conference, CARICOM Chairman and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre said leaders centered their discussions on improving the daily lives of Caribbean citizens.

“Our discussions over the past four days were guided by one central objective—ensuring that CARICOM delivers results that people can see and feel in their everyday lives,” Pierre said.

He said member states agreed to strengthen regional cooperation to:

  • Protect consumers
  • Improve affordability
  • Provide additional relief for vulnerable households
  • Address rising prices across the Caribbean Community

Pierre acknowledged that every CARICOM nation is experiencing higher living costs, largely fueled by global increases in energy prices.

“There is one factor we have no control over, which is the price of fuel,” he said.

Saint Lucia has responded by removing the value-added tax (VAT) on selected essential goods.

Regional Solutions to Lower Costs

CARICOM leaders outlined several initiatives intended to reduce costs across the region, including:

  • Reducing taxes on imported fuel
  • Lowering freight and shipping costs
  • Expanding renewable energy investments
  • Reducing intra-regional cargo transportation expenses
  • Accelerating the launch of a regional ferry service

Leaders said improving transportation and energy infrastructure is critical to making goods and services more affordable throughout the Caribbean.

Barbados Expands Financial Relief

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley highlighted several national initiatives already underway, including:

  • A cost-of-living allowance for pensioners
  • A 30% increase in welfare payments
  • Consumer price comparison technology allowing shoppers to compare prices among retailers

Mottley also identified the proposed regional ferry service as one of CARICOM’s most significant economic initiatives.

The ferry system would reduce shipping costs by improving cargo movement among Caribbean nations while strengthening regional trade.

Officials plan to use a Trinidad and Tobago ferry as a proof of concept while private-sector operators acquire additional vessels. Regulatory work is expected to be completed within three months, while procurement of permanent vessels could take up to one year.

Mottley also announced efforts to establish agreements covering:

  • Mutual recognition of licenses
  • Insurance standards
  • Port infrastructure improvements
  • Cross-border movement of cargo vehicles

Healthcare Collaboration to Reduce Costs

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar proposed expanding regional healthcare cooperation as another way to reduce living expenses.

She offered CARICOM members access to Trinidad and Tobago’s:

  • National prosthetic center
  • Specialized children’s hospital
  • Medical professionals and specialists

“If we partner together, we can bring down the cost of living,” Persad-Bissessar said.

Renewable Energy a Long-Term Priority

Outgoing CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, emphasized that energy remains one of the region’s greatest economic challenges.

He called for accelerated investments in:

  • Solar energy
  • Wind power
  • Geothermal energy
  • Wave energy

Drew said greater energy independence would help stabilize electricity costs, strengthen Caribbean economies and provide long-term relief for consumers.

“Renewable energy can really help transform the Caribbean and help us manage the cost of living for all of our people,” he said.

Looking Ahead

CARICOM leaders concluded the summit by reaffirming their commitment to expanding regional cooperation to improve affordability, strengthen consumer protections and increase economic resilience across the Caribbean.

Officials said the planned ferry network, renewable energy investments and coordinated economic policies are expected to play key roles in reducing costs for Caribbean families while promoting long-term regional growth.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending