April 2020 Current Events: World News
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The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the world news events you need to know so far for April 2020:
- Coronavirus Updates
- Knife Attack in France
- Coronavirus Updates (2)
- Israel Election Moves Forward
- Saudi Arabia Declares Ceasefire
- Coronavirus Updates (3)
- Syrian Prison Riot
- Indian Police Attacked
- Reuters Reinstated in Iraq
- Election in South Korea
- Rohingya Refugees Rescued
- Coronavirus Updates (4)
- Shooting in Nova Scotia
- Protests Erupt in Israel
- Shootings in Lebanon
- Coronavirus Updates (5)
- Kim Jong Un Speculations
- President Bolsonaro Under Investigation
Coronavirus Updates
On April 2, many countries adopted code words to help victims of domestic violence who are locked at home with their abusers. Victims can now head to drugstores and pharmacies and say the code word to let the pharmacists know they are in danger. On April 2, anger rose in Japan after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated he will supply each household with two reusable masks. Many citizens mocked Prime Minister Abe, claiming that he is not responding to the pandemic appropriately. On April 2, Kenya announced that it will be releasing 5000 petty offender prisoners and holding court cases via Skype. The move is an attempt to decongest prisons and stop the spread of coronavirus. On April 2, Spain announced it had surpassed 10,000 deaths as its coronavirus crisis worsened. On April 2, South Africa announced that it will house its homeless in the empty sports stadiums. South Africa has been on lockdown for about a week and has 1,300 cases. On April 3, it was announced that the global number of coronavirus cases has surpassed 1 million. According to the Johns Hopkins study, nearly 53,000 people have died from the virus. (CNN/BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
Knife Attack in France
On April 4, a knife attack in Romans-sur-Isere (south-east France) left two people dead and another four injured. Witnesses say the attacker first entered a tobacco shop, attacking the owners and a customer, before moving to a nearby butcher shop. The suspect is in custody, but a motive has not been released. (BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo
Coronavirus Updates (2)
On April 6, large groups of tourists flocked specific destinations as the lockdown in China was lifted. As the government decreases restrictions, health officials warn that the battle may not be over. On April 6, India began turning its trains into hospitals, with each carriage acting as an isolated room. The country’s railways have been suspended for the first time in history after a lockdown was issued on March 25. April 6 marked the fourth consecutive day that coronavirus deaths lowered in Spain, sparking some hope that the country’s curve is flattening. On April 6, thousands of Venezuelan refugees returned home as Colombia went on lockdown. On April 10, China’s government released a draft of a law outlining which animals can be farmed and eaten. The law comes after rumors that coronavirus culminated in China’s wet market, where animal meat is kept with little standards and restrictions. On April 11, state ministers encouraged India’s Prime Minister Modi to extend the lockdown due to end in four days. After the call, Modi agreed to extend the lockdown in India without releasing further details. On April 11, Brazil reported over 1,000 deaths due to coronavirus and nearly 20,000 cases. This announcement comes after President Bolsonaro has ignored the advice of his government and challenged restrictions set in place. Bolsonaro has stated that his challenges are due to his protection of the economy. The outbreak in Brazil is expected to hit its peak in a few weeks. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Leo Correa
Israel Election Moves Forward
On April 6, it appears that coronavirus has brought some unity during the growing tensions in Israel. After being elected Speaker of Parliament, Benny Gantz designed an emergency national government, going against his campaign promise as Prime Minister Netanyahu leads the team. It now appears that the indicted Netanyahu will continue his role as Prime Minister, as his main rival, Gantz, has become Speaker instead. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ariel Schalit
Saudi Arabia Declares Ceasefire
On April 9, the Saudi Arabian coalition fighting rebels in Yemen declared a two week ceasefire in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus. The countries have been in a five-year conflict. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Hussein Malla
Coronavirus Updates (3)
On April 13, President Putin issued a warning that coronavirus cases were spiking in Russia, specifically Moscow. Russia announced that it had 2,550 new cases in 24 hours, the largest jump for the country. On April 14, France ordered Amazon to only deliver the essentials in an attempt to protect delivery drivers. On April 15, President Putin admitted that he is less confident now, as Russia is experiencing more problems than anticipated. Russia’s cases have surged in the past few days. On April 15, Denmark allowed children under the age of 11 to return to school., making it the first European country to relax some of the restrictions set in place. On April 16, Brazilian President Bolsonaro fired his health minister after weeks of tension stemming from coronavirus actions. Nelson Teich has been hired as the replacement. On April 17, officials in Wuhan edited the original coronavirus numbers, marking a 50% increase in coronavirus deaths than what had been previously recorded. Wuhan now states that there have been 50,333 cases with 3,869 deaths. On April 18, Spain announced that more than 20,000 citizens have died from coronavirus. On April 18, the worldwide shortage of ventilators was highlighted as it was reported that South Sudan, with a population of 12 million people, only had 4 ventilators and 24 ICU beds. Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, and Venezuela are among countries with some of the largest shortages. (BBC/CNN)
Photo Source: Sofia Sandurskaya, Moscow News Agency photo via AP
Syrian Prison Riot
On April 12, authorities stated that several imprisoned ISIS members ripped off doors and began breaking walls to escape. As some managed to escape, authorities struggled to control the riots caused by others. The search for the escaped members is ongoing. (CNN)
Photo Source: SANA via AP
Indian Police Attacked
On April 12, a car carrying 7 passengers attempted to cross the border during India’s lockdown. As a group of 6 police officers attempted to enforce the lockdown, one man exited the vehicle wielding a sword. One police officer’s hand was chopped off during the fight, but no other serious injuries have been reported. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Channi Anand
Reuters Reinstated in Iraq
On April 14, Iraqi President Barham Salih stated he was working on revoking the suspension of Reuters. Reuters, a journalist company, was suspended nearly two weeks prior for reporting that there were more coronavirus cases in Iraq than the government was admitting to. Reuters was originally suspended for three months, asked to offer an apology, and fined, but President Salih has since said the suspension was “regrettable.” (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber
Election in South Korea
On April 15, despite the coronavirus outbreak, various South Koreans headed to the polls wearing masks and gloves. Millions of citizens are voting in the parliamentary election for the 300 members of the National Assembly. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon
Rohingya Refugees Rescued
On April 18, nearly 400 Rohingya refugees lost at sea were rescued. The group left Bangladesh nearly two months ago. The group did reach Malaysia, but was forced to turn back at the border. Rescuers confirmed that at least 32 people died during the journey. (CNN)
Photo Source: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency via AP
Coronavirus Updates (4)
On April 20, Ghana announced that two cities would no longer be under lockdown. President Akufo-Addo said the decision is partly to do with the improved testing and partly due to the impact the lockdown has had on impoverished areas. On April 20, the UK announced that it will use the blood of coronavirus survivors to treat others with the disease. The US has already begun to study this, with the hope being that the antibodies in the blood will help the ill recover. On April 20, President Bolsonaro joined protesters in Brazil who are protesting the lockdown restrictions. President Bolsonaro has faced tension with various governors who have decided to incite restrictions despite Bolsonaro’s opposition. On April 24, it was announced that various countries will test people-tracking wristbands to ensure people are staying home.(CNN/BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba
Shooting in Nova Scotia
On April 18, a man allegedly dressed as a police officer began a shooting spree in Nova Scotia, killing at least 16 people, making it one of Canada’s deadliest shootings. The rampage and manhunt lasted 12 hours before the suspect was killed during a shootout with police on April 19. The suspect and the motive are still under investigation. On April 22, the death toll rose to 22 as some in critical condition passed away. On April 24, it was revealed that the suspect’s girlfriend was the first victim and the rampage may have been motivated by domestic violence. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Eric Gay
Protests Erupt in Israel
On April 19, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Israel, each 2 meters apart to respect social distancing laws. The protesters are protesting Prime Minister Netanyahu and government corruption. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Oded Balilty
Shootings in Lebanon
On April 22, a man allegedly killed his wife and 8 others in a Lebanese town. The man is thought to be in hiding and his motive is unclear. This is one of the worst mass shootings the country has seen in years. (BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Hussein Malla
Coronavirus Updates (5)
On April 27, New Zealand claimed it had “eliminated” coronavirus as the number of new cases dropped to single digits. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern states that the country is still on high alert. On April 29, it was announced that German researchers working with US company Pfizer have begun human trials for a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine could supply millions of people by the end of the year if the trial has positive results. On April 30, over two dozen Russian hospitals went on lockdown because many of the doctors fell ill with coronavirus. Health care workers are reportedly angered as the number of cases has surpassed 100,000. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin
Kim Jong Un Speculations
On April 27, South Korea told CNN that despite speculations, Kim Jong Un is “alive and well.” For a few days, there has been speculation that Kim Jong Un is in a vegitative state, or even dead, after a heart surgery. North Korea has not responded to speculations. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File
President Bolsonaro Under Investigation
On April 28, Brazil’s highest court okayed an investigation into President Bolsonaro. Already under fire for his handling of coronavirus, Bolsonaro is now accused of seeking to interfere with police investigations. Sergio Moro, the justice minister who stepped down last week, made the accusations. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo / Eraldo Peres
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