September 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 September 2020:
- Coronavirus Updates (1)
- Belarus Protests Continue
- Coronavirus Updates (2)
- Hong Kong Protests Continue
- Tensions Between China and India Rise
- Protests Emerge in South Africa
- Yellow Vest Protesters Return
- Coronavirus Updates (3)
- Venezuela Accused of Crimes Against Humanity
- Jailbreak in Uganda
- Coronavirus Updates (4)
- Alexander Lukashenko Secretly Sworn In
- Libya’s Prime Minister Will Step Down
- Military Plane Crash in Ukraine
- Tensions Rise Between Armenia and Azerbaijan
- Togo Appoints First Female Prime Minister
Coronavirus Updates (1)
On September 1, it was reported that a karaoke bar in Canada could face fines after at least 30 coronavirus cases were linked to it. The bar has announced they will close for a week and urge patrons to get tested. On September 4, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was admitted to the hospital after testing positive for coronavirus. His speakers have stated there is no cause for concern regarding his admittance, as the 84-year-old has mild symptoms. On September 4, Russia released its first vaccine report, stating that the vaccine triggered an immune response in patients with little side effects. Experts elsewhere have stated that trial sizes are too small to prove effectiveness. On September 5, dozens of people were arrested in Melbourne, Australia as people continued to participate in anti-lockdown protests. Protests took place in various other Australian cities. (CNN)
Photo Source: Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via AP
Belarus Protests Continue
On September 1, the fourth week of protests in Belarus continued. The protests were sparked by the reelection of controversial President Alexander Lukashenko. At least 40 students were detained after clashes with police on September 1. The detainment is under fire since the protests were mainly peaceful. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky
Coronavirus Updates (2)
On September 8, the coronavirus vaccine trial at Oxford University was put on hold after a patient fell ill with an “unexplained illness.” Despite this setback, the vaccine is seen as a strong contender and is being watched closely by the rest of the world. On September 12, England announced that in over a week, its new contact tracing app will be released. The app will allow users to scan QR codes at hospitals and will implement technology that recognizes nearby smartphones. Currently, the country is relying on handwritten registrations to track where people have been, but it hopes this new app will help slow the spike in coronavirus cases. On September 12, Oxford was given the go-ahead to resume their vaccine trial. (CNN/BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko
Hong Kong Protests Continue
On September 8, Hong Kong police were largely criticized after a video of them tackling a 12-year-old went viral. The video shows the young girl walking along the street before being approached by police. When she tried to run, the police tackled her to the ground and began allegedly beating her with batons. The police force has defended the officers’ actions, sparking more outrage from protesters. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Kin Cheung
Tensions Between China and India Rise
On September 7, India reportedly alerted China that five civilians had been abducted by the People’s Liberation Army near the Himalayan border. Allegedly, the five Indian civilians were hunting before being taken by Chinese troops. This situation has added tension to the ongoing battle between Chinese and Indian forces. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ajit Solanki
Protests Emerge in South Africa
On September 8, protests in South Africa erupted after a controversial TREsemme ad. The controversial advertisement compared black hair to blond, calling the blond hair normal while saying the black hair was “frizzy and dull.” The company has apologized for the advertisement and suspended all employees involved in publishing it. On September 12, various retailers in South Africa announced they were removing TRESemme products from their shelves due to the offensive ad. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Themba Hadebe
Yellow Vest Protesters Return
On September 12, the yellow vest protesters returned to the streets of Paris for the first time since lockdown was lifted in May. Police tear gassed the crowd in an attempt to disperse the gathering. Over 250 people were taken in for questioning. The protests originally began in November 2018 after the country announced a rise in fuel prices. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Michel Euler
Coronavirus Updates (3)
On September 13, officials recorded the largest number of COVID-19 cases in 24 hours. The WHO announced that there were 307,930 cases within 24 hours, mainly in the US, India, and Brazil. In light of this, Israel announced it will be the second country to reimpose lockdown restrictions. On August 14, Israel approved a second general lockdown, returning to many severe restrictions. England and Scotland have restricted all social gatherings to 6 people or less. On September 18, CNN reported that the French city Bordeaux is nearly at ICU capacity as the country sees a resurgence in cases. Hospitals are trying to keep their normal schedules this go round. On September 18, Madrid announced new restrictions, affecting nearly 850,000 people. The restrictions now place a limit on gatherings/group sizes and travel. (CNN/BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Oded Balilty
Venezuela Accused of Crimes Against Humanity
On September 16, the United Nations officially accused Venezuela authorities of crimes against humanity. The accusations stated that Venezuela has “committed egregious violations” against civilians. The UN is currently investigate cases of torture, murder, disappearances, and violence. CNN later published a report of various civilians stating that the Venezuelan government forced them to quarantine in a motel after contracting, or coming into contact, with a positive coronavirus patient. Many victims felt they were cut off from the world and placed in unsanitary conditions. (BBC/CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Matias Delacroix
Jailbreak in Uganda
On September 17, Ugandan prisoners overpowered guards, escaping with at 15 guns and loads of ammunition. At least 219 prisoners are suspected to have escaped, while 2 other prisoners were killed during the battle and two were re-arrested. This is the country’s third jail escape since the coronavirus outbreak began in March. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ronald Kabuubi, File
Coronavirus Updates (4)
On September 20, it was reported that daily covid cases in Europe reached a record high. In just two weeks, there were 45,000 cases. New restrictions are being imposed as various countries try to reopen. On September 22, it was reported that amongst economic collapse and political turmoil, Lebanon’s coronavirus cases skyrocketed. The country’s medical personnel belief that the healthcare system will be overwhelmed in the near future. On September 23, Ethiopia agreed to buy 1.5 million coronavirus test kits from China’s BGI, which has a lab in the African country. On September 23, Australia was sued by a consumer rights groups for the COVID-19 outbreak that occurred at the Tyrol ski resort, Ischgl. According to the claim, cases in 45 different countries can be traced back to the resort. On September 25, Chinese officials claimed to have gained WHO support before beginning a controversial emergency vaccine program. Chinese officials have been administering emergency vaccines to hundreds of thousands of people before they go through a safe clinical trial. On September 26, Spanish officials urged Madrid to enforce stricter restrictions or face serious risks. Health officials worry Madrid will see a dramatic spike in the near future. On September 26, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau announced that the country is already experiencing its second wave of the virus. Trudeau warned that this wave may be worse than the spring. On September 28, it was reported that Beijing ordered importers to avoid frozen foods from places that have a high number of covid cases. The city says that cases of coronavirus can be linked back to contaminated frozen food. On September 30, Israel passed a law banning mass protests during lockdown. The law comes as the country is facing its second lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.(CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
Alexander Lukashenko Secretly Sworn In
On September 24, amongst mass protests that continue to sweep Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko was sworn in during an unannounced ceremony. Some protesters were able to attend the ceremony, describing it to be a “thieves’ meeting.” Protests continue as many believe Lukashenko, who is entering his sixth term, has rigged the election. It was reported by the electoral commission that Mr. Lukashenko won 80% of the votes, a number many don’t believe. (BBC/CNN)
Photo Source: Andrei Stasevich/Pool Photo via AP
Libya’s Prime Minister Will Step Down
On September 23, the United Nations announced that Libya’s Prime Minister Fayez will step down at the end of October. Fayez cited “internal and external conspiracies” as one of the reasons for his resignation. This decision is a welcome one to the United Nations. (CNN)
Photo Source: Turkish Presidency via AP, Pool
Military Plane Crash in Ukraine
On September 25, a military plane crash in Ukraine killed 25 cadets, with two potential survivors in urgent care. The cadets were part of the country’s Air Force program. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko
Tensions Rise Between Armenia and Azerbaijan
On September 28, tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan turned violent after clashes over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The region is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but is owned by ethnic Armenians. Both sides have claimed to have the upper hand in this battle. So far, 31 soldier deaths have been reported and 26 civilian injuries. (BBC)
Photo Source: Sipan Gyulumyan/Armenian Defense Ministry Press Service/PAN Photo via AP
Togo Appoints First Female Prime Minister
On September 30, Victoire Tomegah Dogbe was sworn in, becoming Togo’s first female prime minister. Dogbe is the replacement for Komi Selom Klassou, who resigned five days ago. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/ Sunday Alamba