AROUND THE WORLD

LEBANON

LEBANON’S churches have welcomed worshippers for the first time in nearly two months.

Churches and mosques are now permitted to open for congregational prayers on Sundays and Fridays as long as capacities are limited and other safety guidelines including social distancing measures are respected.

Many worshippers entering churches around Lebanon on Sunday were sprayed with disinfectant and had their temperatures checked before they were allowed in to sit at a distance from others.

The country has registered 809 cases of the coronavirus with 26 deaths attributed to Covid-19, according to Johns Hopkins University.

RUSSIA

RUSSIA’S count of coronavirus infections has climbed above 200,000 after its highest daily tally of new cases.

Figures released yesterday recorded 11,012 new cases of the virus for a total of 209,688, with 1,915 deaths attributed to Covid-19. Russian officials said the sharp rise in numbers can be attributed to increased testing, at least in part.

More than half the infection cases and deaths are recorded in Moscow, which will remain under a lockdown for the rest of the month.

MALAYSIA

MOVEMENT restrictions in Malaysia are to be extended by four weeks until June 9 despite a sharp drop in infections in the country.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said restrictions that were due to end tomorrow must continue in order to prevent infections from flaring up in the absence of a vaccine.

The government had already let most businesses reopen with strict conditions from May 4 to help revive its hard-hit economy.

But mass gatherings remain barred, with schools, cinemas and worship houses staying shut, while group sports are prohibited and interstate travel banned.

Mr Muhyiddin said 6.6 million people, nearly half of the country’s labour force, has returned to work, with the number expected to increase.

Malaysia has recorded 6,589 cases with 108 deaths.