SEOUL: A new round of social distancing rules took effect yesterday in the South Korean capital of Seoul, dealing a blow to small business owners despite brighter hopes for economic recovery after earlier success in battling the coronavirus. 

WASHINGTON: There’s little doubt that government-ordered business shutdowns to stop the spread of COVID-19 damaged the US economy, but the exact cost has not been clear. 

WASHINGTON: President-elect Joe Biden was poised to nominate former Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen to head the US Treasury, a choice that, if confirmed by the Senate, would make her the first woman in the job. 

KUWAIT: The health ministry announced yesterday the arrival of the BNT162 COVID-19 vaccine by the end of this year, while usage will be subject to approval of local regulatory authorities. 

KUWAIT: Kuwait listed 402 new coronavirus infections yesterday, which health authorities said were recorded over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of infections to 140,795. Meanwhile, two fatalities were recorded over the same period, which upped Kuwait’s death toll from the outbreak to 870, the health ministry said.

RIYADH: The G20 promised Sunday to tackle the explosive issue of developing-nation debt, but failed to stake out any clear action, infuriating campaigners warning of a looming crisis. 

GENEVA: Negotiations on banning billions of dollars in fisheries subsidies are coming to the crunch at the beleaguered World Trade Organization, with the deadline to net a deal fast approaching. 

BRUSSELS/LONDON: Eurozone economic activity plunged in November, a key survey showed yesterday, due to a resurgence of lockdowns across Europe as the second wave of the coronavirus tightened its grip. 

KUWAIT: Kuwait listed 337 new coronavirus infections over the past 24 hours to raise the total to 140,393, while two fatalities recorded over the same period upped its death toll from the outbreak to 868, the health ministry said yesterday.