Fresh Start: Podcast News (1/27/2020 Mon.)
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Welcome to Fresh Start.

This is People’s Daily app. 

Here are today’s picks from our editors.

China's control measures on pneumonia to take effect in 20 days: expert

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Momentum of the epidemic outbreak may decline in 20 days based on the current prevention and control measures of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), a leading virologist said Sunday.

The increase of confirmed cases recently resulted from people infected with the virus about 20 days ago, said Wen Yumei, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, adding that the measures are expected to prevent future infections.

The human body will gradually become immune to the microorganism, which may drive an end to the epidemic, said Wen, who is also a professor at a key lab on medical molecular virology in Shanghai. (Xinhua)

China suspends wildlife trade to curb novel coronavirus

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Chinese authorities announced Sunday that wild animal trade will be suspended to curb pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

The ban goes into effect immediately and shall not be lifted until the epidemic is declared over, said a joint statement issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

The decision came after the geographical distribution of infection cases in Central China's Wuhan, the center of the coronavirus outbreak, indicated a close relationship with the outbreak and illegal wildlife sales at a market. (Xinhua)

NBA legend Kobe Bryant killed in California helicopter crash 

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Retired NBA star Kobe Bryant was reportedly one of five people killed in a helicopter crash in southern California on Sunday.

Five people were confirmed dead and no survivors were reported in the Calabasas helicopter crash, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department tweeted.

According TMZ Sports, Bryant was traveling with at least 3 other people in his private helicopter when it crashed. 

CNN later confirmed Bryant's death. He was 41. There has been no word from his family. (Xinhua)

Israel to allow citizens to visit Saudi Arabia

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Israel's government announced on Sunday it would allow some Israeli citizens to fly to Saudi Arabia in a major policy shift.

Israel's Interior Minister Aryeh Deri signed for the first time in the country’s history a permit for an Israeli citizen to travel to Saudi Arabia, a country that Israel has no official diplomatic ties with, said a statement issued by the Interior Ministry.

The ministry said trips would be approved for Israel’s Muslim citizens who wished to travel to Mecca, the Saudi holy city. (Xinhua)

Brexit commemorative 50 penny coin unveiled in UK

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British Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid on Sunday unveiled the new commemorative 50 penny coin to mark the country's departure from the European Union (EU) on January 31.

Bearing the inscription "Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations" and the new Brexit date, about 3 million coins will enter circulation across Britain on Friday. 

An additional 7 million are expected to be minted later in the year. (Xinhua)

Two elephants escape from circus in Russia

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Russian residents of Yekaterinburg were flabbergasted to see a couple of elephants wandering the snowy streets of Russia's third-largest city after the pair had escaped from a circus.

The local circus said the elephants – Karla and Ranni – belonged to an Italian company that ran a show in Yekaterinburg during the New Year holidays.

After the chase, circus employees loaded the animals into a truck and headed to their next destination. (CGTN)

South Korea beats Saudi Arabia, winning AFC U23 Championship

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South Korea beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 to win the 2020 AFC U23 Championship on Sunday.

Jeong Tae-wook's close range header broke the deadlock in the 113th minute, awarding the crown to South Korea who has thus made it to the Olympic Games for the ninth consecutive time.

Prior to the final match, both teams had secured their tickets to the 2020 Olympic Games, together with the Games host Japan, and the championship third-placer Australia. (Xinhua)

Thanks for listening and be sure to catch us tomorrow.

And now for the Question of the Day:

What is the scientific word for fossilized dinosaur droppings?

(Answer: Coprolite.) 

Today’s quote is from English poet William Blake (1757-1827). 

"The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest."

(Produced by Nancy Yan Xu, Ryan Yaoran Yu, Lance Crayon, and Elaine Yue Lin. Music by Eugene Loner.)