Reuters: Opening up without control of COVID-19 is recipe for disaster, says WHO
GENEVA (Reuters) - Countries with significant active spread of coronavirus must prevent amplifying events, as opening up without the virus being under control would be a “recipe for disaster”, the World Health Organization said on Monday.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recognised that many people are getting tired of restrictions and want to return to normality eight months into the pandemic.
The WHO fully supported efforts to reopen economies and societies, he told a news conference, adding: “We want to see children returning to school and people returning to workplaces, but we want to see it done safely.”
“No country can just pretend the pandemic is over,” he said. “The reality is this virus spreads easily. Opening up without control is a recipe for disaster.”
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Syria says two killed, seven wounded in Israeli missile attack.
Saudi-Led coalition destroys an explosive-laden drone launched by Houthis: SPA.
Israel-UAE flight takes off in major step for historic pact.
Netanyahu: Palestinians will no longer have 'veto on peace'.
Saudi Arabia downs Iranian-backed threat on eve of Israel-UAE flight.
Turkey's President Erdogan calls leaders of France and Greece 'greedy and incompetent'.
Trump confirms scaling-down of U.S. military presence in Iraq .
Lebanese president designates Ambassador to Germany Mustapha Adib as new prime minister.
Lebanon's PM-designate vows reforms, new IMF talks.
Lebanon president calls for proclamation of 'secular state'.
Macron reassures protesters after meeting Lebanon's symbol of unity, singer Fairouz.
ASIA
Largest faction of Japan's ruling party backs Suga to replace Abe as PM: NHK.
U.S. increases support for Taiwan, says to counter rising China pressure.
Afghan women negotiators to face hardline Taliban in peace talks.
China can make India suffer 'severe' military losses: Global Times.
‘Provocative movements’: India slams China, as it reveals fresh border incident over the weekend. Indian forces block movement of Chinese troops near Pangong Lake.
China accuses India of violating Line of Actual Control amid renewed border clashes.
China's top diplomat warns Czech politicians on Taiwan visit.
Thousands arrested for 'virus-related crimes' in China.
India reports more than 78K COVID-19 cases; extends travel ban.
India economic growth hit by record slump after virus lockdown.
Coronavirus: Auckland lockdown ends; Australia sees record daily deaths.
Australian citizen detained in China amid increasing tensions between Canberra and Beijing.
AFRICA
Algeria approves more measures to ease coronavirus lockdown.
Peace deal signed by Sudan & rebel groups after 17 years of conflict.
France calls for 'rapid transition' to civilian rule in post-coup Mali.
Conflict-torn Mali at critical crossroads after coup.
I.Coast former president, ex-rebel leader file election candidacies.
Ethiopia demands US explanation over funding-cut reports.
Thousands of Mauritians protest government's handling of oil spill.
Kenya fears ecological disaster as two rising lakes get closer.
South Africa's ANC decides officials charged with graft must step aside.
Paul Rusesabagina: Hotel Rwanda film hero arrested.
EUROPE
Belarus activists seek refuge abroad amid political crisis.
Belarus protests: Thousands defy ban to march on Lukashenko's birthday.
Kremlin says situation in Belarus under control, no need to use Russian police reserve.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya: Belarus opposition leader to address UN Security Council.
German government slams Reichstag rush as 'shameful'.
North Macedonia's parliament approves new left-wing coalition government.
France slams 'intransigent' Boris Johnson for post-Brexit trade talks stalemate as ‘No-Deal’ looms.
Norway: Clashes break out at anti-Islam rally.
Riots erupt in Sweden after far-right activists burn Koran.
Russia's opposition blogger Yegor Zhukov severely injured in Moscow 'attack'.
AMERICAS
Donald Trump DEFENDS accused double killer Kyle Rittenhouse saying 17-year-old was 'very violently attacked' before he opened fire in Kenosha and refuses to condemn vigilantes.
In battleground Pennsylvania, Biden accuses Trump of stoking violence.
US surpasses 6 million coronavirus cases nationwide.
Uncertainty dominates presidential campaign’s final stretch.
Oregon state police returning to Portland after fatal shooting.
Appeals court denies Michael Flynn and Justice Department's effort to end his case.
Canada signs deals with two suppliers for potential COVID-19 vaccines.
Covid: Venezuela seeks testers for Russian vaccine.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Qatar backed 'terrorism and extremism', UAE tells UN court.
Amid peace talks with Taliban, ISIS is gaining strength.
Canadian ‘extremist travellers’ a significant concern, RCMP says after ISIS-related arrest.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Nasdaq ends higher while S&P 500 posts biggest August gain since 1986.
Apple, Tesla shares pop after stock splits.
Warren Buffett invests $6bn in Japan's five biggest trading houses.
TikTok owner to 'strictly' obey China's tech takeover law.
