Two-term Peruvian United Nations chief dies
On March 5, Pérez de Cuéllar, a two-term United Nations secretary-general from Peru, died at the age of 100. According to the Associated Press, Cuéllar negotiated a cease-fire between Iraq and Iran in 1988 and helped re-establish a democracy in Peru. His son, Francisco Pérez de Cuéllar, stated that he died of natural causes.
Pets may test positive for COVID-19, but cannot transmit virus
According to a study conducted by Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
Department, cats and dogs are not able to transmit COVID-19, although they may test positive for low levels of the coronavirus, as stated by the Associated Press. Experts believe the pets tested positive as a result of “human-to-animal transmission.” Pet owners are encouraged to have good hygiene, including washing hands before handling their pet’s food and avoiding kissing them.
Truck crashes into Easter Island statue
A truck crashed into one of the sacred Easter Island statues, causing “incalculable” damage,
according to BBC. Pedro Edmunds Paoa, the Mayor of Easter Island, called for restrictions to be put in place after the incident. The stone statues hold spiritual significance for the Rapa Nui people, who carved the figures “to embody the spirit of a prominent ancestor.” While the site is a popular tourist destination, the man arrested and charged with the damage reportedly lives on the island.
Egypt reopens oldest pyramid
Egypt’s oldest pyramid, which was built in the 27th century B.C., was reopened after a 14-year restoration on March 5, according to ABC. The monument was built for the pharaoh Djoser, who ruled during the third dynasty. The structure of the pyramid was damaged after an earthquake in 1992 struck Egypt, which had left it with the potential to collapse.
COVID-19 death toll continues to climb in Italy
Italy experienced the highest rate of COVID-19 infection outside of Wuhan, China, with total
confirmed cases reaching nearly 4,000 and almost 150 deaths as of March 5, according to the Los Angeles Times. It is estimated that, in the next three months, 10 million tourists will cancel their travel plans to Italy, which may have a large impact on the country, which gets 13% of its GDP from tourism. Several towns and schools have been quarantined or closed in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.
Photo: CDC
