Algeria suspends economic, cultural, political gatherings over coronavirus

ALGIERS (Reuters) – Algeria has suspended economic, cultural and political gatherings to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Health Minister Abderrahmane Benbouzid said on Tuesday.

The sports ministry earlier announced the postponement of all international sports gatherings and said local sports events would be played behind closed doors.

How we can fight the coronavirus

(CNN Business)Walmart announced an emergency leave policy after one of its employees in Cynthiana, Kentucky, tested positive for coronavirus, according to a memo sent to employees.

The employee’s condition is improving, and she is receiving medical care, according to a memo from John Furner, US CEO of Walmart, Sam’s Club CEO Kath McLay, and Donna Morris, Walmart’s Chief People Officer.

Walmart (WMT), the nation’s largest private employer, has been in contact with health experts and will “continue to take precautions and actions to keep our stores, clubs and other facilities clean and ensure the well-being of our associates, customers and members.”

The are at least 849 cases of coronavirus in the US, according to the state and local health agencies, governments and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Afghanistan electoral crisis delays naming of negotiating team: U.S.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The electoral dispute between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and political rival Abdullah Abdullah has delayed the naming of a team to negotiate with the Taliban, the U.S. State Department said in a statement on Tuesday.

“President Ghani has told us he is consulting with Dr. Abdullah and other Afghan leaders and will announce an inclusive team in the coming few days,” the statement said.

Two Venezuelan opposition lawmakers freed several hours after arrest: legislature

CARACAS (Reuters) – Two Venezuelan opposition lawmakers were freed several hours after their arrest by authorities following a demonstration against President Nicolas Maduro’s government, one of the lawmakers said in comments broadcast on the legislature’s Twitter.

A third legislator who was also arrested remains in custody, lawmaker Angel Torres said.

UK minister Dorries diagnosed with coronavirus, met with PM Johnson: the Times

(Reuters) – Nadine Dorries, a junior health minister in the UK, has been diagnosed with coronavirus after falling ill on Friday, the Times of London reported on Tuesday.

Dorries, who is now in isolation and recovering, met hundreds of people in Parliament in the past week and attended a reception with Prime Minster Boris Johnson, the Times said.

European Economics Preview: Eurozone Final Composite PMI Data Due

Final composite Purchasing Managers’ survey data and retail sales from euro area are due on Wednesday, headlining a busy day for the European economic news.

At 2.00 am ET, Destatis is scheduled to issue Germany’s retail sales data for January. Sales are forecast to grow 1 percent on month, reversing a 3.3 percent fall in December.

At 2.30 am ET, the Federal Statistical Office is slated to issue Swiss consumer price data. Inflation is forecast to ease to 0.1 percent in February from 0.2 percent in January.

In the meantime, Sweden’s services PMI data is due.

At 3.00 am ET, the Hungarian Central Statistical Office publishes monthly retail sales figures for January.

At 3.15 am ET, Spain’s services PMI data is due. Economists forecast the index to rise to 52.5 in February from 52.3 in January.

At 3.45 am ET, IHS Markit releases Italy’s PMI data. The services PMI is seen at 51.4 in February, unchanged from January.

Final PMI figures are due from France and Germany at 3.50 and 3.55 am ET, respectively.

At 4.00 am ET, IHS Markit is slated to issue Eurozone final composite PMI data. The composite indicator is forecast to match the flash estimate of 51.6 in February.

Half an hour later, UK final composite PMI data is due. The PMI score is seen at 53.3 in February, unchanged from flash estimate.

At 5.00 am ET, Euorstat publishes euro area retail sales data. Eurozone retail sales are forecast to grow 0.6 percent on month in January after falling 1.6 percent a month ago.

Paraguay says suspends public schools for 15 days due to coronavirus

ASUNCION (Reuters) – Paraguay has suspended public school sessions and large-scale public events for 15 days due to coronavirus, Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni said in a televised address.

Two cases of the virus have been confirmed in the South American country so far.

Turkish health minister says first coronavirus patient confirmed

ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said late on Tuesday that one male patient was diagnosed with the new coronavirus after tests, in the country’s first confirmed case, and that the patient is isolated.

Family members of the patient are under observation, Koca said.

Venezuela police detain three lawmakers after rally: legislature

CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuelan police on Tuesday detained three opposition lawmakers following a demonstration against the government of President Nicolas Maduro, the legislature said via Twitter.

Twitter, Elliott In Deal That Keeps Jack Dorsey As CEO

Twitter Inc. (TWTR) and activist hedge fund Elliott Management Corp. have reached a peace deal that will allow Chief Executive Jack Dorsey to continue as CEO.

Twitter will appoint three new directors to its board and create a committee to review its leadership and governance, as part of an agreement with activist investor Elliott Management and private equity firm Silver Lake.

Twitter will be appointing Egon Durban and Jesse Cohn as directors, while will search for a third director with technology expertise.

Silver Lake will also make a $1 billion investment in the social media company, which Twitter plans to use to fund part of its first ever share buyback, set at $2 billion.

Jack Dorsey, co-founder and CEO, said, “Twitter serves the public conversation, and our purpose has never been more important. Silver Lake’s investment in Twitter is a strong vote of confidence in our work and our path forward. They are one of the most respected voices in technology and finance and we are fortunate to have them as our new partner and as a member of our Board. We welcome the support of Egon and Jesse, and look forward to their positive contributions as we continue to build a service that delivers for customers, and drives value for stakeholders.”

Last week, Elliott Management bought a sizable stake in Twitter and pushed for for several changes at the company, including the replacement of Dorsey. Elliott is reportedly concerned that Dorsey has not focused enough on Twitter as he is also chief executive officer of payments company Square, Inc (SQ).