VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

US President Donald Trump noted a significant decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases across the country in recent days. In late April, the daily increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States stood at around 36,000, while starting from May the daily number of new cases of the infection fluctuates between 18,000 and 27,000. As of 17 May, nearly 1,470,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the United States, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows. The number of fatalities stands at 89,000 and around 270,000 patients have recovered//sputnik

Italy and Spain are among a number of European countries that are set to further ease their coronavirus lockdown restrictions from Monday. Most businesses in Italy, including bars and hairdressers, will be free to reopen after more than two months of nationwide lockdown measures. Spain is set to relax its restrictions outside of Madrid and Barcelona, with groups of up to 10 people free to meet. The measures follow consistent drops in the number of daily recorded deaths. On Sunday, Italy recorded the fewest daily deaths since it entered lockdown in March. It said 145 people had died with the virus in the previous 24 hours. This marked a significant drop from its highest daily death toll, which was more than 900 on 27 March//bbc

The US Air Force has successfully launched its Atlas V rocket, carrying a X-37B space plane for a secretive mission. The rocket launched on Sunday from Cape Canaveral, a day after bad weather halted plans for a Saturday launch.  The aircraft, also known as an Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), will deploy a satellite into orbit and also test power-beaming technology. It is the plane's sixth mission in space. The launch was dedicated to front line workers and those affected by the pandemic. A message including the words "America Strong" was written on the rocket's payload fairing//bbc

Shoppers flocked to Thailand's top-end malls on Sunday, eager for retail therapy as shopping centers reopened in a gradual easing of restrictions to revive the virus-ravaged economy. The shopping center relaunch comes with Thailand's infection numbers slowing in recent weeks -- authorities announced three new cases Sunday, with the total at just over 3,000. Customers and businesses were advised to adhere to restrictions, which include limits on the number of people allowed in retail spaces and a ban on alcohol sales in restaurants. Cinemas, however, remain closed. The government is also urging retailers and shoppers to check in on a digital platform when entering malls - it will send a message if a coronavirus case is discovered in a specific store//JP