*) US Covid-19 death toll tops 4,000

The coronavirus outbreak in the US has killed more than 4,000 people and infected nearly 190,000.

Top doctors advising the White House estimate a 100,000 to 240,000 people will die of Covid-19 in the US if people abide by the current guidelines.

With Italy and Spain reporting the most fatalities, the global coronavirus death toll has crossed 42,000, with close to 860,000 infections.

*) Taliban team arrives in Kabul for prisoner swap

A three-member Taliban team has arrived in Afghanistan’s capital to begin a prisoner exchange as part of a peace deal reached with the US.

The deal stipulated an exchange of 6,000 prisoners held by the Afghan government and the Taliban.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had earlier called the development “good news”.

*) US outlines plan for Venezuela transition, sanctions relief

The Trump administration is prepared to lift sanctions on Venezuela in support of a new proposal to form a transitional government.

The new plan requires both Nicolas Maduro and opposition leader Juan Guaido to step aside in favour of a governing council, US officials said.

Under the plan, a five-member council will govern Venezuela until elections can be held within six to 12 months.

*) Ships carrying sick and dead passengers beg Florida to dock

Two ships carrying people from an ill-fated cruise are pleading the US state of Florida to let them disembark with those infected and killed by Covid-19.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has said the states’ health care resources are already stretched too thin to take those people onboard.

President Donald Trump said he would speak to DeSantis on the fate of ships’ coronavirus caseload. And finally...

*) Harry and wife Meghan bid farewell to royal roles

Prince Harry and former television star Meghan Markle, have posted their last message as working members of Britain’s royal family.

The couple shocked Queen Elizabeth in January by announcing plans to step back from their royal roles.

From Wednesday, Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will be free to pursue new careers and spend their time in North America.