Global Health

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, shown here in Hungary's parliament in March, has been criticized for legislation that allows him to govern by decree for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

European Parliament Lawmakers Demand Punishment For Hungary Over Emergency Powers

12:14pm May 14, 2020

by Joanna Kakissis

The lawmakers demanded Thursday that European Union leaders punish Hungary's government for using the COVID-19 pandemic to grab power via a new law allowing the prime minister to rule by decree.

An N95 respirator — a critical piece of personal protective equipment. The U.S. is now restricting the ability of aid groups abroad to use American funds to buy PPE.

The U.S. Is Giving Vast Sums Of Money To Fight COVID-19 Abroad. But There's A Catch

4:04pm May 13, 2020

by Malaka Gharib

Aid groups are frustrated by a new restriction on using U.S. funds to buy personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. The U.S. says it's a way to ensure there's enough PPE for domestic use.

A COVID-19 testing operation stays busy in Boyle Heights, Calif. Daily case counts overall may be on the low side because access to testing is limited in some parts of the world.

Health & Safety

Fauci Says U.S. Death Toll Is Likely Higher. Other COVID-19 Stats Need Adjusting, Too

3:39pm May 13, 2020

by Pien Huang

Researchers say the statistics issued about coronavirus cases and deaths do not necessarily reflect the full degree of the pandemic's impact.

A man gets tested for the coronavirus Wednesday in Wuhan, China, the cradle of the global pandemic. Authorities plan to test the city's entire population after new cases emerged for the first time in weeks, according to state media.

In South Korea And China, Loosening Restrictions Brings Coronavirus Resurgence

2:51pm May 13, 2020

Both countries eased some of their intensive rules after new cases slowed to a trickle. But clusters have cropped up again this month, and authorities are ramping up testing to try to curb the spread.

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A person sprays disinfectant at a high school amid the coronavirus outbreak on Monday, in Seoul, South Korea.

South Korea Delays Reopening Schools As Coronavirus Cases Resurge

7:11pm May 12, 2020

by Se Eun Gong

The country had prepared to welcome students back to classrooms on Wednesday, but dozens of new virus cases linked to nightclubs in Seoul have emerged.

European Countries Are Bracing Themselves For The Next Wave Of The Pandemic

4:59pm May 12, 2020

Europe starts to loosen up the quarantine restrictions and reopen economies. But some countries are expecting — even planning for — the next wave of the coronavirus outbreaks.

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says he is currently hospitalized with COVID-19 — a revelation that came as Russia hopes to emerge from a shutdown despite a spike in new cases. Peskov is seen here during a video conference with Russian President Vladimi

Putin Spokesman Is Hospitalized With COVID-19 As Coronavirus Cases Spike In Russia

4:08pm May 12, 2020

by Bill Chappell

The last time he saw Russian President Vladimir Putin in person was more than a month ago, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says.

People walk and exercise at a promenade along the Mediterranean Sea during the coronavirus pandemic in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 3. The Lebanese government has decided to reimpose restrictions after a rise in cases.

After A Spike In Infections, Lebanon Reimposes Strict Orders To Stay At Home

4:04pm May 12, 2020

The Middle Eastern country had relatively few cases and had relaxed its shutdown.

Engineers work on a potential vaccine for the coronavirus at a Beijing lab.

When Can We Expect A Coronavirus Vaccine?

2:34pm May 12, 2020

by Joe Palca

The race is on. What will it take to develop, test and distribute a safe and effective vaccine?

A cyclist crosses Plaza de Mayo in the center of Buenos Aires on April 30. Argentina is loosening its strict lockdown but keeping most restrictions in the capital in place.

Argentina Reacted Early And Kept The Coronavirus Largely Contained

1:06pm May 12, 2020

by Philip Reeves

Once there were 100 cases, the government imposed broad confinement measures. More than seven weeks later, with 317 coronavirus-related deaths, Argentina is easing its lockdown outside Buenos Aires.