Domestic News

Freight Railroads Further Adjust Workforce Plans Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Norfolk Southern changed some of its work procedures from even a few days ago, aligning them with social distancing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to a March 14 note from its chief marketing officer Alan Shaw. Some of the changes include transitioning work arrangements for those not directly associated with train operations and restricting access to critical functions to offices such as the Network Operations Center. 

FRA Declares Emergency in Response to Coronavirus Outbreak

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has activated the agency's emergency relief docket in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the agency announced late last week.

Canada Passes New NAFTA in Rush to Suspend Parliament

Canadian lawmakers voted unanimously to pass an overhaul of its free-trade deal with the U.S. and Mexico on Friday at the same time that they suspended their session for five weeks due to coronavirus.

International News

China-Europe Train Traffic Back on Track by 90%

Rail freight traffic between Europe and China has resumed by more than 90 per cent. Compared to the same period last year, the number of trains even increased. This was reported by the national development and Reform Commission (NDRC). The Chinese government intends to introduce measures to promote the safe, stable and efficient operation of China-EU trains.

Aramco to Cut Capital Spending Over Coronavirus; 2019 Profits Plunge

Saudi Aramco on Sunday said it plans to cut capital spending in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, and also posted a plunge in profit for last year, missing forecasts in its first earnings announcement as a listed company.

Saudi Central Bank Implements Work-From-Home Measures for Banks

Saudi Arabia’s central bank said it has asked its employees to suspend work in the head office and branches, and implemented work-from-home measures for financial institutions, with the exception of critical positions, amid coronavirus concerns.

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