The massive European plan follows other unprecedented emergency measures introduced around the world to rescue economies shattered by the disease, which has claimed more than 350,000 lives as infections top 5.6 million.
BRUSSELS - The EU unveiled a 750-billion-euro recovery plan Wednesday to get the continent back on its feet after the devastation wreaked by the coronavirus pandemic, as Latin America outpaced Europe and the US in the number of daily infections.
"We either all go it alone, leaving countries, regions and people behind... or we walk that road together," she said. While desperate to kickstart their economies, especially the tourism sector, most governments in Europe are also trying to move cautiously, afraid of a second wave of infections. Elsewhere in Europe there were confident signs of a return to normal - Poland scrapped a rule calling for face masks in public, while Switzerland said it would drop its virus restrictions by 6 June.
"We are particularly concerned that the number of new cases reported last week in Brazil was the highest for a seven-day period, since the outbreak began," said Carissa Etienne, director of the Washington-based Pan American Health Organisation. Police on Tuesday raided the official residence of one of Bolsonaro's leading critics over the response, Rio de Janeiro Governor Wilson Witzel, alleging he embezzled public funds for the virus.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
EU touts €750bn virus fund but sceptics and time may see it stalledIf passed, it would be the biggest EU stimulus package in history, but it must be adopted unanimously by the 27 member states
Read more »
Shinzo Abe declares end to coronavirus state of emergencyJapan's leader says his government will decide on a new aid package to help the virus-battered economy later this week
Read more »
EU touts €750bn virus fund but sceptics and time may see it stalledIf passed, it would be the biggest EU stimulus package in history, but it must be adopted unanimously by the 27 member states
Read more »
Partnership could see Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi through global crisisCar-making trio is set to unveil measures aimed at closer operational integration on May 27
Read more »
Aids activist and playwright Larry Kramer, 84, diesAccording to The New York Times, writer, playwright, and Aids activist Larry Kramer has died.
Read more »
Fight against Covid-19 undermines war on HIV, say expertsPartner violence, a diversion of health-care workers and people not collecting medication are huge concerns
Read more »