US President Donald Trump has belatedly signed into law a coronavirus relief and spending package bill, averting a partial government shutdown.
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International
US House fails to pass measure to increase stimulus checks to $2,000
The House of Representatives on Thursday failed to advance a measure that would increase direct payments to Americans under a certain income level to $2,000 — up from the $600 level passed earlier this week — bringing lawmakers back to square one as they search for a way to appease President Donald Trump’s demands.
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Trump urges Congress to amend ‘wasteful’ coronavirus aid bill
US President Trump has urged Congress to amend a $900bn coronavirus relief bill to more than triple its stimulus payments to Americans.
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Dr Deborah Birx: White House virus expert quits over holiday travel
A top public health official on the White House coronavirus task force has said she will retire after it emerged she hosted a holiday gathering. Dr Deborah Birx, who is 64, cited the criticism she has faced for a family get-together over Thanksgiving in Delaware in her decision to step aside. “This experience has been
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Covid: US Congress passes long-awaited deal for coronavirus aid
The US Congress has passed a long-awaited $900bn (£660bn) package of coronavirus pandemic aid after months of political wrangling.
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Covid-19: UK isolation grows as more countries ban travel
More countries have banned arrivals from the UK because of concerns at the spread of a new variant of coronavirus.
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Covid: Australian states enforce travel bans amid Sydney outbreak
Australian states and territories have begun enforcing entry bans on Sydney residents amid a growing coronavirus outbreak in the nation’s largest city.
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Sweden reverses face mask guidelines for public transport
Sweden’s government is recommending wearing face masks on public transport during the rush hour, reversing its earlier Covid guidance.
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Emmanuel Macron: French president tests positive for Covid
France’s President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for Covid-19 after developing symptoms.
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Covid: WHO to investigate virus origins in China’s Wuhan
A team of 10 international scientists will travel to the Chinese city of Wuhan next month to investigate the origins of Covid-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
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