Briefly

AUSTRALIA

Morrison isolates after positive COVID-19 test

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he tested positive for COVID-19 but will continue his official duties while isolating. "I am experiencing flu-like symptoms and will be recovering over the next week," Morrison said in a statement. He said he would continue working as prime minister, focusing on the government's responses to the Ukraine crisis and devastating floods on Australia's east coast. He is isolating in his official Sydney residence after testing positive on Tuesday. A senior minister who works closely with Morrison said on Wednesday that he was also infected.

AFGHANISTAN

World Bank announces more than $1b aid

The World Bank on Tuesday announced more than $1 billion in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, stating the money will go to UN agencies and NGOs. The funds, to be delivered in the form of grants, aim "to support the delivery of essential basic services, help preserve human capital and key economic and social services and reduce the need for humanitarian assistance in the future", said the bank. The bank suspended its aid to Kabul last August after the Taliban took power.

Agencies Via Xinhua