The US Central Intelligence Agency says Covid-19 probably leaked from a Chinese research lab but has "low confidence" in its conclusion, according to the Associated Press and other international media.
Britain’s Meteorological Office weather forecaster has declared a national emergency, issuing a red “extreme heat” warning for parts of England for Monday and Tuesday next week when temperatures could reach record highs.
Millions more people in England will face escalated Covid-19 lockdown measures from St Stephen's Day, as ministers acknowledged mounting concern about the spread of coronavirus.
At least 570 suspected cases of cholera have surfaced in war-torn Yemen in the past three weeks, sparking fears of a potential epidemic, Doctors Without Borders said today.
Libya on Wednesday asked the World Health Organization to raise the emergency level in the country to the highest category, saying it would help mobilise resources for people in need.