A female police officer is killed by gunmen in the city of Jalalabad, Nangarhar, during an increase of targeted killings of women in the city. (Reuters)
The government announces that it will permit the attendance of around 3,500 fans into Rotterdam Ahoy for the Eurovision contest on May 18–22, as part of a trial to reopen public venues. (Radio France Internationale)
New Zealand raises its minimum wage to $20 per hour, increasing the average income of 175,500 citizens by $44 per week, while income tax on those earning over $180,000 rises to 39 percent. Welfare spending, student allowances, and support for first time home buyers are also increased. (The Independent)
Bangladesh reports a record 6,469 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, prompting the government to impose a series of new measures, including banning all travellers from the European Union and 12 other countries for two weeks beginning April 3. (Al Jazeera)
Phnom Penh imposes a curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time that suspends all non-essential business activities and gatherings for two weeks in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Khmer Times)
The Japanese government designates Osaka, Hyogo, and Miyagi Prefectures for tougher measures against COVID-19 amid a rise in cases. The measures include fines of ¥200,000 ($1,808.80) for restaurants and bars that ignore mandates to shorten operating hours to 8:00 p.m., and capping attendance of large events to 5,000 people. These measures will be effective for one month beginning on April 5. (Kyodo News)
Prime MinisterJean Castex announces a ban of alcoholic drinks in parks and outdoor public spaces in France as part of the limited nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. (The Straits Times)
Turkey reports a record 40,806 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 3.3 million. (Anadolu Agency)
After surpassing one million cases, the government announces several new restrictions. Borders will be closed for 30 days; the curfew will start one hour earlier; work permits during quarantine will be given only for essential activities; and sales will be permitted only for food, medicine, and hygiene products. (CNA)
Pfizer announces a revised efficacy rating of 91.3% for its vaccine candidate, down from its original rating of 95%, and affirms that protection afforded by the vaccine lasts for at least six months. Pfizer also announces that the vaccine appeared to provide protection against the 501.V2 variant in 100% of cases during its South African trial run. (CNBC)
The United Kingdom places sanctions on Burmese conglomerate Myanmar Economic Corporation for funding the junta and for associating with military officials. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab also accuses the junta of "sinking to a new low with the wanton killing of innocent people, including children". (Reuters)