Thursday, March 12, 2020 - a podcast by TRT World

*)WHO declares coronavirus a pandemic

After declaring the crisis a pandemic, the World Health Organization says it is alarmed at the level of inaction to contain the spread and severity of the virus.

There has been a global increase in the number of deaths and infections, which is having significant health, social and economic impact on more than 120 countries.

Outside Asia, Europe has more coronavirus cases and casualties than any other continent.

*)More drastic measures for Italy

Italy has announced even more restrictions on top of a massive lockdown.

All shops in the country will be closed with the exception of supermarkets, food stores and pharmacies.

More than 800 people have died and 12,000 are infected in the country.

*)Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson test positive

Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, have both tested positive for the virus in Australia.

The actor was set to begin production on a film about the life of Elvis Presley when he and his wife developed slight fevers.

He took to Twitter to say they would both be observed and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires.

*)Rocket attack kills US coalition soldiers in Iraq

In other news, three US coalition soldiers were killed in a rocket attack on the Taji military base in Iraq.

A British and two US servicemen died after 10 Katyusha rockets hit the air base north of Baghdad.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but Washington is accusing pro-Iran factions.

And finally,

*)Convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein back in hospital

Convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein is back in hospital with chest pains after a judge sentenced him to 23 years behind bars.

Two weeks ago, a jury in New York found the former Hollywood producer guilty of rape and a criminal sexual act.

The 67-year-old will serve his time at an upstate New York prison.

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