The Latest: European Union looks into fake medical imports

The Latest: European Union looks into fake medical imports

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The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 246, 000 people and killed more than 10,000. The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most people, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or those with existing health problems. More than 86,000 people have recovered so far, mostly in China.

TOP OF THE HOUR:

— Worldwide death toll from COVID-19 passes 10,000.

— Britain is asking 65,000 retired nurses and doctors to return to work to help fight the coronavirus.

— South Korea’s voters will be required to wear masks and use disposable gloves during next month’s parliamentary elections.

— U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper says more than 4,000 National Guard reservists have been deployed in 31 states

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BRUSSELS — The European Union’s anti-fraud office has launched a probe into a rising number of imports of fake medical and personal protection products linked to the coronavirus.

The office, known as OLAF, says that investigators have been watching the illicit trafficking of fake products such as face masks, medical devices, disinfectants, sanitizer and COVID-19 test kits.

It says that counterfeit masks are being sold in Europe at prices ranging from 5-10 euros ($5.35-10.70), around three times their normal cost.

OLAF says fake face masks for children also are being smuggled.

Most products are bought online and shipped into Europe via postal or courier services. They routinely arrive in containers with fake certificates and find their way into the normal distribution chain.

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MADRID -- Health Minister Salvador Illa says the army will help set up a field hospital of 5,500 beds and much-needed intensive care units inside a convention center in Madrid.

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