Medics at Egypt's main cancer center test positive for virus

CAIRO (AP) — At least 17 medics in Egypt’s main cancer hospital have been quarantined after testing positive for the coronavirus, officials said Saturday, raising fears the pandemic could prey on health facilities in the Arab world's most populous country. Egypt has reported 1,070 confirmed cases...

The Latest: UN to decide in month whether to delay meeting

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. TOP OF THE HOUR: —CDC recommending Americans cover their faces when leaving...

Mosques stay open in Pakistan even as virus death toll rises

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Mosques were allowed to remain open in Pakistan on Friday, when Muslims gather for weekly prayers, even as the coronavirus pandemic spread and much of the country had shut down. Prime Minister Imran Khan is relying on restricting the size of congregations attending mosques and advice to...

Iran parliament speaker, Israeli health minister have virus

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s parliament speaker has contracted the new coronavirus, the country's highest-ranking government figure yet to catch the disease, while in Israel, several top officials entered quarantine when the health minister tested positive on Thursday. Iran's parliament announced Ali...

Iran's parliament says speaker Ali Larijani has tested positive for the new coronavirus and is in quarantine

Trump warns Iran against attacking US troops in Iraq

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Tehran should expect a bold U.S. response if Iran or Iranian-backed groups attack American forces or assets in Iraq. U.S.-Iran tensions soared following the Jan. 3 Washington-directed strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani outside...

Saudi official urges Muslims to delay hajj plans over virus

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A senior Saudi official Wednesday urged more than 1 million Muslims intending to perform the hajj to delay making plans this year — comments suggesting the pilgrimage could be cancelled due to the new coronavirus pandemic. In February, the kingdom took the...

Iran general visits Baghdad, tries to forge political unity

BAGHDAD (AP) — A top Iranian general arrived in Baghdad this week to try and unify Iraq's fractured political leaders, Iraqi officials said Wednesday, as stiff opposition by one major bloc thwarts chances the country's latest prime minister-designate can form a government. Meanwhile, revenues from oil...

Hezbollah shifts attention from Syria fight to battle virus

BEIRUT (AP) — In the streets of Beirut's southern suburbs, Hezbollah paramedics and volunteers on trucks and on foot sprayed disinfectants on shops and buildings. At a hospital where it once treated its wounded fighters, the group's medical staff set up beds for a center to deal with coronavirus patients....

The Latest: China reports 36 new COVID-19 cases

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death. TOP OF THE HOUR: — White House projects between 100,000 and 240,000 U.S....